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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:24 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:24 -0700 |
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diff --git a/10877-h/10877-h.htm b/10877-h/10877-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a62ab3 --- /dev/null +++ b/10877-h/10877-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9009 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Tragedies of the Medici, by Edgcumbe Staley + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; 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+ font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10877 ***</div> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE TRAGEDIES OF THE MEDICI + </h1> + <h2> + By Edgcumbe Staley + </h2> + <h4> + Author Of “The Guilds Of Florence,” “Raphael,” “Fra Angelico,” Etc. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER THOMAS STALEY + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE TRAGEDIES OF THE MEDICI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — <i>The Pazzi Conspiracy</i> + — Lorenzo, “<i>Il Magnifico</i>” — Giuliano, “<i>Il Pensieroso</i>”. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — <i>The First Tyrannicide</i> + — Ippolito, “<i>Il Cardinale</i>” — Alessandro, “<i>Il Negro</i>” + — Lorenzino, “<i>Il Terribile</i>”. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — <i>A Father’s Vengeance</i> + — Maria, Giovanni, and Garzia de’ Medici — Malatesta de’ + Malatesti </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — <i>Three Murdered Princesses</i>—Lucrezia, + Duchess of Ferrara and Creole de’ Contrari — Eleanora Garzia, wife + of Piero de Medici, Alessandro Gaci, and Bernardino degl’ Antinori — + Isabella, Duchess of Bracciano — Troilo d’Orsini and Lelio Tore</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — <i>True and False Lovers</i> + — Francesco, “<i>Il Virtuoso</i>” — Bianca Cappello, “<i>La + Figlia di Venezia</i>” — Pietro Buonaventuri — Cassandra de’ + Borghiani — Pellegrina Buonaventuri, wife of Ulisse Bentivoglio + — Antonio Riario. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — <i>Pathetic Victims of Fateful + Passion</i> — Eleanora degli Albizzi and Sforza Almeni — + Cammilla de’ Martelli — Virginia de’ Medici e d’Este — + Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> A SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> INDEX </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + When Alexandre Dumas wrote his <i>Crimes of the Borgias</i>—and + other “Crimes”—he fully intended to compile a companion volume, + treating of episodes in the great family of the Medici. With this project + in view, he collected much material, and actually published, tentatively, + two interesting brochures: <i>Une Année à Florence</i>—in 1841, and + <i>Les Galeries de Florence</i>—in 1842. + </p> + <p> + Nothing, however, came of his more ambitious “idea,” and, until to-day, no + one has taken in hand to write <i>The Tragedies of the Medici</i>. My + attention was first directed to the omission during the preparation of my + <i>Guilds of Florence</i>, published in 1906; and I determined to address + myself to the forging of that lurid link in the catena of Florentine + romance. + </p> + <p> + In the following pages my readers will see that I have entirely departed + from the conventional conceits of the ordinary historian. I have sought to + set out the whole truth—not a garbled version—whilst I have + fearlessly added decorative features where facts were absent or were too + prosaic. + </p> + <p> + The short “Introduction,” dealing with the rise and progress of the house + of Medici, will be useful to my public, and the “Chart of the Tragedies” + will assist students and others in their appreciation of my enterprise—it + is my own compilation and as complete as possible. + </p> + <p> + The “Bibliography” will help serious readers to a wider reading of my + authorities, and the Illustrations—the best procurable—will + fix in all my readers’ minds something of the actual personalities of my + “Tyrants” and my “Victims.” + </p> + <h3> + EDGCUMBE STALE + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + The origin of the Medici family is lost in the mists of the Middle Ages, + and, only here and there, can the historian gain glimpses of the lives of + early forbears. Still, there is sufficient data, to be had for the + digging, upon which to transcribe, inferentially at least, an interesting + narrative. + </p> + <p> + Away towards the end of the twelfth century,—exact dates are wholly + beside the mark—there dwelt, under the shadow of one of the rugged + castles of the robber-captains of the Mugello in Tuscany, a hard-working + and trustworthy bonds-man—one Chiarissimo—“Old Honesty,” as we + may call him. He was married to an excellent helpmeet, and was by his lord + permitted to till a small piece of land and rear his family. + </p> + <p> + In addition to intelligence in agriculture, it would seem that he, or + perhaps his wife, possessed some knowledge of the virtues of roots and + herbs, for, in one corner of his <i>podere</i>, he had a garden of + “simples.” The few peaceable inhabitants of that warlike valley, and also + many a wounded man-at-arms, sought “Old Honesty” and his wise mate for + what we now call “kitchen remedies.” + </p> + <p> + Those, indeed, were happy days with respect to suffering human nature. + “Kill or Cure” might have been the character of the healing art, but + certainly specialists had not invented our appendicitis and other + fashionable twentieth-century physical fashions! A little medical + knowledge sufficed, and decoctions, pillules, poultices, and bleedings + made up the simple pharmacopoeia. + </p> + <p> + All the same, the satirical rhyme, which an old chronicler put into the + mouths of many a despairing patient, in later days, may have been true + also of “Old Honesty” and his nostrums: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There’s not a herb nor a root + Nor any remedy to boot + Which can stave death off by a foot!” + </pre> + <p> + Of that good couple’s family only one name has been preserved—Gianbuono, + “Good John.” Passerini says he was a priest—probably he means a + hermit. Anyhow, he acquired more property in the Valle della Sieve and + founded a church—Santa Maria dell’ Assunta—possibly the + enlargement of his cell—upon Monte Senario, between the valley of + the Arno and that of the Sieve. + </p> + <p> + Ser Gianbuono—ecclesiastic or not—had two sons—Bonagiunto, + “Lucky Lad,” and Chiarissimo II. In those primitive times nobody troubled + about surnames—idiosyncrasy of any kind was a sufficient indication + of individuality. The brothers were enterprising fellows, and both made + tracks for Florence, which—risen Phoenix-like from barbarian ashes—was + thriving marvellously as a mart for art and craft. + </p> + <p> + Ser Bonagiunto, in the first decade of the thirteenth century, was living + in the Sestiere di Porta del Duomo, and working busily in wood and stone, + the stalwart parent of a vigorous progeny. It was his great-grandson, + Ardingo—a famous athlete in the <i>giostre</i> and a soldier of + renown—who first of his family attained the rank of <i>Signore</i>. + </p> + <p> + Ser Chiarissimo, between 1201-1210, owned a tower near San Tommaso, at the + north-east angle of the Mercato Vecchio—later, the family church of + the Medici—and under it a <i>bottega</i>, or <i>canova</i>, for the + sale of his grandmother’s recipes. Over the door he put up his sign—seven + golden <i>Pillole di Speziale</i>—pills or balls, which were + emblazoned upon the proud escutcheon of his descendants. He was called “<i>il + Medico</i>”—“the doctor”—hence the family name “Medici.” + </p> + <p> + These were the days when the foundations of the fortunes of many great + Florentine families were laid. The loaning of money was the royal road to + affluence, and everybody who, by chance, had a spare gold florin or two, + became <i>ipso facto</i> a “<i>Presto</i>” or bank. Next, after lending to + one another with a moderate profit—a <i>dono di tempo</i> or a <i>merito</i>—“quick + returns,” came the ambitious system of State loans, with the regulated <i>interesso</i> + and the speculative dealings in <i>Cambio</i>—on ‘Change—with + <i>boroccolo</i>—“unexpected gain,” and <i>ritravgola</i>—“sly + advantage,” or, as we say, “sharp practice.” + </p> + <p> + Ser Filippo, or “Lippo”—the twin son, as the name implies, of Ser + Chiarissimo II.—what happened to the other twin we do not know—was + probably the first of his family of doctor-apothecaries to deliberately + abandon his less lucrative profession and establish himself as a banker in + the Mercato Nuovo. Anyhow, his two sons were born and baptised under the + happy auspices of plenty of money! + </p> + <p> + The elder, the prosperous doctor-banker, was jubilantly called Averardo—“Blessed + with good means,” and the younger was christened Chiarissimo III., to mark + quite sententiously that, whilst his bank-balance was considerable, it had + been accumulated by honest dealing! + </p> + <p> + True to the variable law of vicissitude, this Averardo I. failed to make + any very great name for himself, as might have been expected in a lad of + so much promise. He was shadowed doubtless by his more strenuous parent. + Still, he added to the family possessions by acquiring the lay-patronage + of the churches of San Pietro a Sieve and San Bartolommeo di Petrone. Near + the latter he built a <i>castello</i>, or fortress, which was then + considered a title to nobility. He made also a prosperous marriage with + Donna Benricevuta de’ Sizi. + </p> + <p> + Messer Averardo’s son, Averardo II., was, in the crisscross nature of + things, a man of stronger grit than his father. He came to great honour as + well as to great riches. Elected Prior in 1304, he was chosen as <i>Gonfaloniere + di Giustizia</i> in 1314, and, between these dates, in 1311, Ser Teghia + de’ Sizi, his mother’s brother, made him his heir, and gave him, besides + full money-bags, much valuable property and ecclesiastical patronage. To + his surname of Medici he added that of Sizi: he was the wealthiest citizen + of his day in Florence. His wife, Donna Mandina di Filippo de’ Arrigucci + of Fiesole, gave him six sons—Giacopo, Giovenco, Francesco, + Salvestro, Talento, and Conte. All of them rose to eminence in the State, + but of one only can the story be told here—Salvestro. + </p> + <p> + Messer Salvestro de’ Medici—who must not be confounded with his + celebrated namesake and kinsman, the “Grand” Salvestro—married Donna + Lisa de’ Donati, of which union three sons were the issue—Talento, + Giovenco, and Averardo III. Salvestro di Averardo II. bore another + Christian name—Chiarissimo—the old-world cognomen of his + family. Possibly his father thought it wise to stand well with the world + and parade his honesty; for whatever ill-gotten gains other bankers + acquired, he, at least, was an upright man, and his profits were just! + </p> + <p> + Anyhow, Messer Salvestro became popular for rectitude in his private life, + and for his unselfish discharge of public duties. He was chosen to fill + many responsible offices of State, and reached the goal of personal + ambition as ambassador to Venice, in 1336. His youngest son, Averardo + III., acquired the sobriquet of “Bicci”—the exact meaning of which + is problematical—it may mean a “worthless fellow” or “one who lives + in a castle!” Nothing indeed is related of him, but, perhaps, like Brer + Fox, of a later epoch, he was content “to lie low” and enjoy, without much + exertion, the good things his ancestors had provided for him. + </p> + <p> + Messer Averardo married twice—Giovanna de’ Cavallini and Giovanna + de’ Spini. By the first he became the father of one of the very greatest + of the Medici—Giovanni, the parent of a still more famous son—Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + At this period Florence was ruled by Whalter von Brienne—the + so-called Duke of Athens—sagacious, treacherous and depraved. He + sought to make himself Lord of Florence by skilfully playing the various + political parties one against the other. The <i>Grandi</i> he kept in + check by the <i>Popolo Minuto</i>, but ignored the <i>Popolo Grasso</i>, + to which the Medici belonged. Under Giovanni de’ Medici, Guglielmo degli + Altoviti, and Bernardo de’ Rucellai, the middle class rose against the + usurper; but their plans miscarried, and the leaders were imprisoned and + fined. + </p> + <p> + A Giovanni de’ Medici was beheaded in 1342—the first recorded + “Tragedy of the Medici.” As to who this unfortunate man was, it is + difficult to say. He is called “the son of Bernardo de’ Medici,” but no + such name appears in the early records of the family. He was probably a + descendant of Bonagiunto, a son of Ardingo de’ Medici, who was a violent + enemy of the Ghibellines, and <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i>, in 1296 + and 1307, and brother of Francesco, Captain of Pistoja in 1338, and one of + the principal participants in the expulsion of the hated Duke. + </p> + <p> + The first of the “Grand” Medici was Salvestro, son of Alamanno, of the + line of Chiarissimo III., called “The German,” because of his alien + Teutonic mother. Great-great-grandson of Ser Filippo, the last of the + doctor-apothecaries, Salvestro does not appear to have gone in for the + steady, unromantic life of a banker, but to have addressed his energies to + the profession of arms. Nevertheless, he was chosen Prior in 1318, and + contributed, during peace, to the advancement of his city’s interest. Upon + the outbreak of war with the Visconti of Milan, in 1351, he was appointed + commander of the Florentine forces. + </p> + <p> + His sterling grit made itself apparent in the vigour with which at the + head of no more than one hundred men he relieved the town and fortress of + Scarperia, on the Mugello hills, besieged by the invaders. For his bravery + he was knighted by the <i>Signoria</i>. Cavaliere Salvestro de’ Medici + sided with the aristocratic party, and proclaimed himself a Ghibelline—consorting + with the noble families of Albizzi, Ricci, and Strozzi. Their aim was to + convert the Republic into an oligarchy under Piero degli Albizzi. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Popolo Minuto</i>, thoroughly alarmed at this menace of liberty and + popular government, appointed leaders, who approached Cavaliere Salvestro, + in 1370, when he held the supreme office of <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i>, + to safeguard the interests of the tradespeople and lower classes. He gave + heed to their representations, for he cunningly perceived that he might + ride into the undisputed leadership of the great popular party, the + Guelphs, and so checkmate his other allies, the aristocrats! As head of a + powerful branch of the rising family of Medici, members of the <i>Popolo + Grasso</i>, or wealthy middle class, Cavaliere Salvestro became the + champion of the people. All round his popularity was established, for + people said, “He was born for the safety of the Republic.” He was tactful + enough to conceal the personal bent of his policy, and acted upon the + maxim, which he was never tired of repeating: “Never make a show before + the people!” As <i>Gonfaloniere</i> he summoned a Parliament of + representatives of all parties and classes at the Palazzo Vecchio, with a + view to the composition of differences and the maintenance of public + order. + </p> + <p> + The Ghibellines would have none of his proposals, but privately they were + divided amongst themselves, seeing which, the Cavaliere astutely announced + the resignation of his office. This had the effect he expected—the + Palazzo and the Piazza outside rang with the old cry—“<i>Liberta!</i>” + “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Evviva il Popolo!</i>” “<i>Evviva il Gonfaloniere!</i>” + Salvestro de’ Medici was master of the situation—the first of his + family to attain the virtual, if not the real, control of the State. + </p> + <p> + The revolution spread through the city; the palaces of the Ghibelline + nobles were sacked and burnt. A period of discord and disaster followed, + but, with the firm hand of Salvestro de’ Medici upon the helm of the ship + of the Republic, matters settled. In 1376 he was unanimously chosen <i>Capitano + della Parte Guelfa</i>—an office of still more personal influence + than the Gonfaloniership. No one questioned his authority. He was, as the + historian, Michaele Bruto, has recorded, “The first of his family to show + his successors how that by conciliating the middle and lower classes they + could make their way to sovereignty.” + </p> + <p> + Another crisis in the history of Florence arose in 1378, during Cavaliere + Salvestro de’ Medici’s second Gonfaloniership, when the <i>Ciompi</i>—“Wooden + Shoes” they were called in derision—the wool-workers—rose <i>en + masse</i>, and besieged the <i>Signoria</i> sitting at the Palazzo + Vecchio. They claimed to rule the city and to abolish the nobles, and a + second time Salvestro was “the man of the hour!” + </p> + <p> + Acting upon his advice, terms were arranged with the revolutionaries, and + Michaele Lando—a common woolcarder by trade, but a born leader of + men—was elected <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i>, and a new + government was set up. Upon Salvestro, “the Champion of the People,” was + again conferred by public acclamation the accolade of knighthood; + moreover, as a further mark of popular estimation, to him were allocated + the rents of the shops upon the Ponte Vecchio and other prerogatives. + </p> + <p> + The public spirit displayed by Cavaliere Salvestro gained for him not only + personal distinction and reward, but obtained for his family recognition + as the first in Florence. He married Donna Bartolommea, the daughter of + Messer Oddo degli Altoviti, by whom he had many children. None of his sons + seem to have added laurels to the family fame, but to have lived + peacefully in the glamour of their father’s renown. The Cavaliere retired + into private life in 1380, and his death, which occurred in 1388, marked + the establishment of Medicean domination in the affairs of Florence. + </p> + <p> + The second of the “Grand” Medici was Giovanni, the son of Averardo III.—called + “Bicci”—and his first wife, Donna Giovanna de’ Cavallini, born in + 1360. He was just twenty-eight years of age when his popular relative, + Cavaliere Salvestro de’ Medici, died. His young manhood found him in the + very forefront of party strife, and from the first he held unswervingly + with the Guelphs. + </p> + <p> + Married, in 1384, to Donna Piccarda, daughter of Messer Odoardo de’ Bueri, + he was the father of four sons—Antonio, Damiano, Cosimo, and Lorenzo—the + two former died in childhood. The choice of names for two of the boys is + significant of the value Messer Giovanni placed upon his family’s origin—Saints + Damiano and Cosimo, of course, were patrons of doctors and apothecaries. + Hence he was not ashamed of the golden pillules of his armorial bearings! + </p> + <p> + Messer Giovanni developed extraordinary strength of character; he was a + born ruler of men, and a passionate patriot. He gained the goodwill of his + fellow-citizens by his unselfishness and generosity—truly not too + common in the bearing of men of his time. He served the office of Prior in + 1402, 1408, 1411; he was ambassador to Naples in 1406, and to Pope + Alessandro V. in 1409; and, in 1407, he held the lucrative post of Podesta + of Pistoja. + </p> + <p> + In 1421 Messer Giovanni de’ Medici was elected <i>Gonfaloniere di + Giustizia</i>, as the representative of the middle classes, and in + opposition to Messeri Rinaldo degli Albizzi and Niccolo da Uzzano, the + Ghibelline nominees. The Republic sighed for peace, the crafts for + quietness; but the immense liabilities incurred by many costly military + enterprises had to be met. Messer Giovanni proposed, in 1427, a tax which + should not weigh too heavily upon anybody. Each citizen who was possessed + of a capital of one hundred gold florins, or more, was mulcted in a + payment to the State of half a gold florin (ten shillings <i>circa</i>). + This tax, which was called “<i>Il Catasto</i>” was unanimously accepted—“it + pleased the common people greatly.” Messer Giovanni was taxed as heavily + as anyone, namely, three hundred gold florins—indicative, + incidentally, of his wealth and honesty. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni associated with himself another prominent man, Messer Agnolo de’ + Pandolfini, the leader of the “Peace-at-any-Price” party, who is + remembered in the annals of Florence as “The Peaceful Citizen.” The main + points of their policy were:—(1) Peace abroad; (2) Prosperity at + home; (3) Low taxation. + </p> + <p> + No combination of his opponents—and they were many and unscrupulous—was + able to damage Messer Giovanni’s reputation and power. He could, had he + wished it, have proclaimed himself sole ruler of Florence and her + territory; but self-control and prudence—which were so + characteristic of the men of his family—never forsook him. He died + universally regretted in 1429, and was buried in the church of San + Lorenzo, which he, along with the Martelli, had restored and endowed. + Giovanni di Averardo de’ Medici was looked upon as the first banker in + Italy, the controller of the credit of Florence and the prince of + financiers. Cavalcanti, Macchiavelli, Ammirato, and almost all other + historians, describe him as “Large-hearted, liberal-minded, courteous and + charitable, dispensing munificent alms with delicate consideration of the + feelings and wants of those whom he assisted. Never suing for honours, he + gained them all. Hostile to public peculations he strove disinterestedly + for the public good. He died rich in this world’s goods, but richer still + in the goodwill of his fellow citizens.” + </p> + <p> + Many have sought, nevertheless, to belittle Messer Giovanni’s reputation—attributing + to him a motive for all his urbanity—that of the permanent + domination of his house in the government of the Republic—not surely + a fault. His old rival in the arena of politics, Niccolo da Uzzano, ever + spoke of him after his death with unstinted praise and admiration. + </p> + <p> + Messer Giovanni shares with Cavaliere Salvestro the undying fame of having + raised, upon the excellent foundation laid by their ancestors, the massive + supporting walls of that superb edifice, of which his son, Cosimo, formed + the cupola, and his great-grandson, Lorenzo—the lantern—“the + Light of Italy.” + </p> + <p> + The third and fourth “Grand” Medici were, of course, Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre + della Patria</i>,” and Lorenzo, “<i>Il Magnifico</i>.” The stories of + their lives and exploits are to be read in the stories, the literature and + the arts of Florence. Of Cosimo, Niccolo Macchiavelli wrote as follows: + </p> + <p> + “He applied himself so strenuously to increase the political power of his + house, that those who had rejoiced at Giovanni’s death now regretted it, + perceiving what manner of man Cosimo was. Of consummate prudence, staid + yet agreeable presence, he was liberal and humane. He never worked against + his own party, or against the State, and was prompt in giving aid to all. + His liberality gained him many partisans among the citizens.” + </p> + <p> + Born in 1389, he early evinced mercantile proclivities, and when a lad of + no more than seventeen Messer Giovanni, his father, placed him in charge + successively of several of the foreign agencies of the Medici bank. Young + Cosimo used his opportunities so well that he was looked upon as a + successful financier, and came to be called “The Great Merchant of + Florence!” + </p> + <p> + He was jokingly wont to say: “Two yards of scarlet cloth are enough to + make a citizen!” Nevertheless he had a deep regard for the opinions and + privileges of his fellow Florentines. One of his constant sayings was: + “One must always consult the will of the people”—and “the people” + replied by acclaiming him “<i>Il Padre della Patria</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo has been called “a great merchant and a grand party-leader: the + first of Florentines by birth and the first of Italians by culture.” He + died in 1464. His father left in cash a fortune of nearly 180,000 gold + florins, but Cosimo’s estate totalled upwards of 230,000—<i>circa</i> + £100,000—a vast amount in those days! + </p> + <p> + After the strong personality of Cosimo and his masterful manipulation of + commercial and political affairs, perhaps the unambitious rule of his son + Piero was a necessary and healthful corollary. Piero de’ Medici maintained + the ground his father had made his own, and gave away nothing of the + predominance of his family, and he made way, after a brief exercise of + authority, for his brilliant son, Lorenzo. + </p> + <p> + Piero’s character and career again prove the truth of the adage: “Ability + rarely runs in two successive generations.” All the same, he died in 1409, + leaving his sons the heirs to nearly 300,000 gold florins! + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo, “<i>Il Magnifico</i>,” was the first of the “Grand” Medici to + give up entirely all connection with commercial pursuits and banking + interests. His tenure of office, by a curious paradox, marks the + termination of the financial liberties of Florence! He was an all-round + genius—there was nothing he could not do—and do well! + “Whatever is worth doing at all,” he was wont to say, “is worth doing + well.” + </p> + <p> + With his death, in 1492, as Benedetto Dei said, “The Splendour, not of + Tuscany only, but of all Italy, disappeared.” + </p> + <p> + With the beginning of the sixteenth century dawned a new era. Preliminary + signs had appeared in the growth of wealth, in enfranchisement from + primitive methods, and in the evolution of individualism. Love of country + and the ties of family life were loosened by the universal craving for + self-indulgence and personal distinction. Idleness, sensuality, and + scepticism—three baneful sisters—gained the mastery, weakening + the fabric of society, and leading on to the evil courses of tyrannicide. + </p> + <p> + “The gradual extinction of public spirit; the general deterioration of + private character, and the exercise of unbridled lust and passion, are the + livid hues which tinge with the purple of melancholy and the scarlet of + tragedy the later pages of Florentine story.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The direct line of Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre della Patria</i>,” the elder + surviving son of Messer Giovanni di Averardo “Bicci” de’ Medici, ended + with Caterina, Queen of France, the only legitimate child of Lorenzo, Duke + of Urbino, and last <i>Capo della Repubblica</i> of Florence; and + Alessandro the Bastard, first Duke of Florence, the illegitimate son of + Pope Clement VII. + </p> + <p> + The sovereignty of the Medici was maintained in the person of Cosimo, the + only son of Condottiere Giovanni, “delle Bande Nere,” the great-grandson + of Lorenzo, the younger of the two surviving sons of Messer Giovanni di + Averardo “Bicci” de’ Medici. The rule of the Medici Grand Dukes of Tuscany + was carried on from Cosimo I. to Gian Gastone, seventh Grand Duke and last + of his line, who died in 1737. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchy then passed to the house of Lorraine, and with a + Napoleonic usurpation of eighteen years (1796-1814), it continued in the + Lorraine family, as represented by the collateral Hapsburgs, till the year + 1859. In that year, King Vittorio Emmanuele of Piedmont and Sardinia, + entered Florence, which, with all Italy, was united under the Royal Crown + of the House of Savoy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TRAGEDIES OF THE MEDICI + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — <i>The Pazzi Conspiracy</i> — Lorenzo, “<i>Il + Magnifico</i>” — Giuliano, “<i>Il Pensieroso</i>”. + </h2> + <p> + “<i>Signori!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Such was the stirring cry which resounded through the lofty Council + Chamber of the famous Palazzo Vecchio that dull December day in the year + 1469. + </p> + <p> + Never had such a title been accorded to any one in Florence, where every + man was as good as, if not better than, his neighbour. Foreign sovereigns, + and their lieutenants, who, from time to time, visited the city and + claimed toll and fealty from the citizens, had never been addressed as “<i>Signori</i>”—“Lords + and Masters.” The “<i>Spirito del Campanile</i>” as it was called, was + nowhere more rampant than in the “City of the Lion and Lily,” where + everybody at all times seemed only too ready to disparage his fellow. + </p> + <p> + The cry was as astounding as it was unanimous—“<i>Signori!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” + “<i>Evviva i due Signori de’ Medici!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” + “<i>Evviva i due figli della Domina Lucrezia.</i>” Thus it gathered + strength—its importance was emphatic—it was epoch-marking. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Signori!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” was the acknowledgment of the + sovereignty of the Medici, made quite freely and spontaneously by the + dignified Lords of the Signory, in the name of the whole population of + Florence and Tuscany. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Piero de’ Medici died on 3rd December 1469, and his interment, which was + conducted with marked simplicity, in accordance with his will, was + completed that same evening. He had, during his short exercise of power as + <i>Capo della Repubblica</i>, given a pageant—“The Triumph of + Death,” he called it, by way of being his own funeral obsequies—a + grim anticipation of the future indeed! + </p> + <p> + At midnight a secret meeting of citizens was convened, by the officials of + the <i>Signoria</i>, within the Monastery of Sant’ Antonio by the old + Porta Faenza, to debate the question of filling the vacant Headship of the + State. Why such a remote locality was chosen is not stated, but it was in + conformity with Florentine usage, which, for general and personal + security, required secrecy in such gatherings. + </p> + <p> + More than six hundred—“the flower of the city” as Macchiavelli + called them—attended, and upon the proposition of Ridolfo de’ + Pandolfini, Messer Tommaso Soderini, by reason of seniority of years and + priority of importance, was called upon to preside. “Being one of the + first citizens and much superior to the others, his prudence and authority + were recognised not only in Florence, but by all the rulers of Italy.” + </p> + <p> + The Soderini had, for three hundred years, held a leading position in the + affairs of Florence; but they were rivals and enemies of the Medici. + Indeed Messer Tommaso’s uncle—Ser Francesco—was one of the + principal opponents in the city counsels of Cosimo—“<i>il Padre + della Patria</i>.” Messer Niccolo, his brother, carried on the feud, and + was, with Diotisalvi Neroni, Agnolo Acciaiuolo, and others, banished in + 1455, for their complicity in the abortive attempt to assassinate Piero + de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + Messer Tommaso, more prescient and prudent, threw in his lot with the + Medici, and was chosen by Piero, not only as his own chief counsellor and + intimate friend, but as the principal adviser of his two young sons—Lorenzo + and Giuliano. He had, moreover, allied himself to the Medici by his + marriage with Dianora de’ Tornabuoni, sister of Domina Lucrezia, Piero’s + wife. + </p> + <p> + All the same, he kept his own counsel and took up a perfectly independent + line of action, being quite remarkable for his display of that most + pronounced characteristic of all good Florentines—the placing of + Florence first—“<i>Firenze la prima!</i>” + </p> + <p> + At the meeting, at Sant’ Antonio, his rising to speak was the signal for + general applause. In a few generous words he eulogised the gentle virtues + of Piero and bemoaned his premature death. In a longer and more serious + oration, on the conditions politically and socially of Florence and of the + whole State, he put before his hearers two uncontrovertible + considerations, to guide them in the exercise of the selection of a new <i>Capo + della Repubblica</i>,—first. The maintenance of unity and + tranquillity; and second. The preservation of the <i>status quo</i>. + </p> + <p> + Many and friendly were the interruptions of the oration, and over and over + again shouts were raised for “<i>Tommaso Soderini il Capo!</i>” Gracefully + he bowed his acknowledgment, but, with much feeling, declined the rare + honour offered him. Then he went on to say that as the supreme office had + been worthily served by Cosimo and Piero de’ Medici, it was but fitting + that it should be continued in that illustrious family. + </p> + <p> + He expatiated upon the advantages which had accrued to Florence under the + Headship of the Medici; and he urged upon the assembly to offer their + allegiance to Piero’s sons, and to give them the authority that their + father and grandfather had possessed. + </p> + <p> + Keen debate followed Messer Tommaso’s speech: some wished that he would + reconsider his decision, others were in favour of trying a new man and of + another family—Niccolo Soderini’s name was freely mentioned, but + gradually the meeting came to accept the proposal. It gained at all events + the adhesion of such pronounced ante-Mediceans as Gianozzo de’ Pitti and + Domenico de’ Martelli, and led to a fusion, there and then, of the two + parties, “<i>del Poggio</i>” and “<i>del Piano</i>.” Unanimity was the + more readily reached when those who demurred perceived that Messer Tommaso + would be the virtual ruler of the State in the personal direction of his + two young nephews. A deputation was accordingly chosen to convey to Domina + Lucrezia and her sons the condolences of the city, and to offer to Lorenzo + the coveted Headship of the State. + </p> + <p> + At noon on the following day the deputation was honourably received at the + Medici Palace. “The principal men of the State and of the City,” wrote + Lorenzo in his <i>Ricordi</i>, “came to our house to condole with us in + our bereavement, and to offer me the direction of the Government in + succession to my grandfather and father. I hesitated to accept the high + honour on account of my youth and because of the danger and responsibility + I should incur; and I only consented in order to safeguard our friends and + our property.” + </p> + <p> + A plenary Parliament was summoned by Tommaso Soderini and those associated + with him in the conduct of public affairs during the interregnum. It was + held in the great Council Chamber of the Palazzo Vecchio, and was attended + by a full concourse of senators and other prominent citizens, deputations + from the Guilds, and representatives of the Minor Orders. In the Piazza + della Signoria and the adjoining streets, was assembled an immense crowd + of people, the greater part being supporters of the Medici. + </p> + <p> + Inside the Chamber again Messer Tommaso Soderini was unanimously elected + president, and forthwith proceeded to report the result of the deputation. + His speech was repeatedly interrupted by cries that he should reconsider + his decision and accept then and there the Headship of the State. He again + emphatically declined the honour his fellow-citizens desired to confer + upon him, and proclaimed Lorenzo de’ Medici <i>Capo della Repubblica + Fiorentina</i>. + </p> + <p> + At a preconcerted signal the arras over the doorway leading to the private + audience chamber was lifted, and there advanced Piero’s widow with her two + sons, clothed in the dark habiliments of mourning. Domina Lucrezia threw + back her thick black veil, revealing upon her kindly face a sorrowful + expression and her eyes suffused with tears. Making a lowly curtsey she + drew herself up—a queenly figure—and holding the hands of + Lorenzo and Giuliano, on either side, made her way to where Messer Tommaso + Soderini was standing. + </p> + <p> + All eyes were bent upon the pathetic little group, and a sympathetic + murmur moved the whole audience. Every man of them had for years regarded + the Domina as the model of what a woman and a wife, a mother and a queen, + should be. She had no rivals and no detractors. Hers had been the wise + power behind the throne, for her tactful counsels had guided the actions + of her husband unerringly. + </p> + <p> + Florence was greatly beholden to Domina Lucrezia—a debt which + nothing could repay. Her influence for good upon the Court, her + munificence in charity, and her unsparing unselfishness had not been + without powerful effect upon every one of those hard-headed, hard-hearted + citizens. They called to mind that well-known saying of the “Father of his + Country”—“the great merchant”—Cosimo: “Why, Lucrezia is the + best man among us!” + </p> + <p> + They reflected, too, upon the auspicious example set at the Palazzo + Medici, where the mother’s part was conspicuous in the wise training of + her family and in the loving deference she received from her sons. And as + they gazed upon Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici—“the hope of + Florence”—they recognised in the former a statesman, already a ruler + in the making. Young though he was, he had widely gained a reputation for + shrewdness and energy, for Piero had taken his eldest son early into his + confidence, and had entrusted to him much important State business. He had + sent him with embassies to Rome, Venice, and Naples; he had despatched him + upon a round of ceremonious visits to foreign courts; and had encouraged + him to make himself acquainted with all Tuscany and the Tuscans. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo’s accomplishments in the school of letters were known to all. He + was a scholar and a gentleman, and these points had great weight in + Florentine opinion. In figure and physiognomy he very greatly resembled + his grandfather. His dignified bearing greatly impressed the assembly, + whilst his unaffected modesty, pleasant courtesy, and graceful oratory, + gratified them all. + </p> + <p> + In Giuliano they had a typical young courtier, handsome, athletic, + accomplished, and enthusiastic. His physical charms appealed to every one, + for most Florentines were Greeks of the Greeks. A precocious boy of + sixteen years of age, he had the promise of a brilliant young manhood and + a splendid maturity. + </p> + <p> + The personal equation is always a prominent factor in human ambitions, and + nowhere was it more emphatically dominant than in the mutual jealousies of + the men of Florence. The “x+y” sign of absolute assurance had its match + and equal in the “x-y” sign of restrictive deference. If one <i>Messer</i> + arrived at some degree of prominence, then the best way for him to attain + his end was to pit himself against another of his class nearest to him in + influence. If <i>he</i> was not to gain the guerdon, then his rival should + not have it! + </p> + <p> + This was the spirit which permeated the <i>raison d’etre</i> of each noble + lord in that great assembly. After the first wave of enthusiasm had + passed, each man began to reflect that the best way, after all, for + settling the contentious question of the Headship of the Republic, was to + rule every one of the “magnificent six hundred” out of the running; and by + taking the line of least resistance plump for the unassuming youths before + them—Medici although they were. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Signori!</i>” “<i>Signori!</i>” again ran through the lofty chamber, “<i>I + Signori di Firenze!</i>” Some cried out “Lorenzo,” and some “Giuliano,” + and others “<i>I tutte due</i>”—but shouts for Lorenzo waxed the + loudest. Thus by general acclamation was the new <i>Capo della Repubblica</i> + elected. + </p> + <p> + Abashed by the vociferations of their elders and yet encouraged by the + unanimity of the assembly, the two young men stood gravely bowing their + acknowledgments, the heightened colour of their faces and the nervous + tension of their frames indicating the fervency of their emotions. In a + few well-chosen sentences Lorenzo expressed his pleasure and Giuliano’s, + and the gratitude of their mother at this signal mark of confidence; and + promised to uphold the traditions of the City and the State, as his + forbears had done, craving from the noble lords their united sympathy and + support. + </p> + <p> + Gently leading the now smiling Domina Lucrezia by the hand, the two + brothers returned to the private Hall of Audience, while the great bell of + the Palazzo boomed forth the news to the waiting crowd outside. The + wool-workers had ceased their toil, the artists had left their <i>botteghe</i>, + the markets were deserted, and all Florence forgathered in the Piazza to + welcome “<i>I Signori di Firenze!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Loud plaudits greeted the noble matron and her sons—not the + battle-cry “<i>Palle! Palle!</i>” indeed—but “<i>Evviva i Medici!</i>” + “<i>Lorenzo!</i>” “<i>Giuliano!</i>” “<i>La buona Domina Magnifica!</i>” + ... Their progress was a triumph, they could scarcely make their way, + short as it was, to the Via Larga, for everybody pressed forward to kiss + and stroke their hands. Never had there been anything like so popular an + election in Florence; men and women shed tears as they uttered rapturously + their names; for were not “Lorenzo” and “Giuliano” the “pets of the + people,” and was not the Domina Lucrezia beloved by everyone! + </p> + <p> + The plenary Parliament, having completed its labours, broke up + immediately, and the excellent lords and worthy citizens hied them to + their palaces, their banks, and their offices, more or less pleased with + the morning’s work. Not a few reflected, rather grimly, that they had + placed two young lives between themselves and the seat of supreme + authority. Their sons might live to rule Florence, but their own chances + had vanished for ever! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Lorenzo was not backward in gripping, with a firm hand, the reins of + power. Young as he was, he had already formed his ideals and laid out his + plans as to the best government of the State. The yearly symposia in the + Casentino had been productive of much good in the training of the youthful + ruler. The direction of his opinions was signified in that saying of his: + “He who would live in Florence must know how to govern!” + </p> + <p> + The repetition of this phrase was perhaps indiscreet, and it caused + searchings of heart, as the meaning of it was borne in upon the + comprehensions of the least friendly of the citizens. Lorenzo was clearly + set upon the aggrandisement of his house and the dependence of all others. + Allowance was made for a lad’s impetuosity, but at the same time many a + leader kept his hands tightly pressed upon the machinery of government. + </p> + <p> + Everyone perceived that the young <i>Capo della Repubblica</i> was in full + possession of the solid grit of his pushful grandfather. He had not + studied the careers of his famous ancestors, Salvestro, Giovanni, and + Cosimo, for nothing. Indeed Piero, his father, in writing to his sons at + Cafaggiuolo to acquaint them with the death of Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre della + Patria</i>,” in 1463, had pointedly said: “Your mother and I offer the + character and example of your grandfather to our sons.” + </p> + <p> + Besides these strong characteristics he had inherited, in a superlative + degree, the shrewd common-sense of Piero, and his mother’s passionate love + of Florence, with all her enthusiasm for what was pure, cultured, + philanthropic, and religious. Niccolo Macchiavelli, somewhat unwillingly, + admitted that—“Lorenzo has all the high-mindedness and liberality + which anybody could expect in one occupying such an exalted station.” + </p> + <p> + Giuliano tacitly and contentedly accepted a less ambitious and responsible + role. Whilst Lorenzo took the first place and occupied himself in + questions of State policy and in the affairs of the family, Giuliano drew + to himself all the younger men in physical exploit and mental effort. From + boyhood addicted to sports and pastimes, he became <i>facile princeps</i> + in all manly exercises. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Il bel Giulio!</i>” as he was called generally, was moreover the + leader of fashion and the organiser of all the pageants and jousts with + which Lorenzo and he delighted the citizens. Whilst devoting most of his + time to fun and frolic, the young prince was acknowledged as one of the + chief <i>litterati</i>, and a conspicuous ornament of the Platonic + Academy. + </p> + <p> + The serious side to his character and his, studious disposition gained for + him the gentle title of “<i>Il Pensieroso</i>.” His mother’s fond hope was + that he should be named a Cardinal, not merely a Papal princeling, nor of + course a religious reprobate—as, alas, most of the Cardinals were—but + a devout wearer of the scarlet hat, and that one day he might even assume + the triple tiara! + </p> + <p> + Anyhow Giuliano’s youth was as spotless as it might be amid unchaste + surroundings. His passion for the bewitching Simonetta, “The Star of + Genoa,” seems to have been the only serious romance of his life, and + therein he never aroused Marco de’ Vespucci’s jealousy by his attentions + to his young wife. Indeed the loves of “<i>Il bel Giulio</i>” and “<i>La + bella Simonetta</i>” were the talk and the admiration of the whole city:—the + Apollo or the Mercury of the New Athens with his Venus—Venus de’ + Medici! + </p> + <p> + The magnificent <i>Giostra</i>, or Tournament, which Lorenzo celebrated a + year before his accession to the Headship of the Republic was but the + prelude to the exhibition of lavish hospitality such as Florentines, and + the strangers within their gates, had never witnessed. Banquets, ballets + and pageants succeeded one another in rapid succession. Church and + national festivals gained splendour and circumstance unrivalled in any + other city. Indeed the citizens, from the highest to the meanest, lived in + a whirl of festivities—and they liked it well! + </p> + <p> + The visits of friendly princes and other distinguished personages were + hailed with enthusiasm. Apparently there was no bottom to the Medici + purse; but actually the <i>Capo della Repubblica</i> was playing rather + fast and loose with his opulent patrimony. There came a day when the + strain grew excessive, and Lorenzo was unable, had he been willing, to + make advances to princely suitors, and he lived to repent his prodigality. + </p> + <p> + The first notable visitors were Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza of Milan and + his Duchess Bona, Princess of Savoy. The retinue which accompanied the + sovereigns was gorgeous, and filled the people of Florence with amazement; + but their wonder was tenfold greater when Lorenzo displayed still greater + magnificence in their reception. Macchiavelli has attributed the vast + increase in the luxurious habits of the citizens to this splendid + hospitality. + </p> + <p> + Another remarkable demonstration was that which was made in 1471 upon the + occasion of the succession of Cardinal Francesco delle Rovere to the Papal + throne as Sixtus IV. Lorenzo, in person, headed the special embassy which + was despatched from Florence to congratulate the new pontiff. The other + principal members were Domenico de’ Martelli, Agnolo della Stufa, + Bongianio de’ Gianfigliazzi, and Donato de’ Acciaiuolo. Whilst the mission + and its wealth of offerings were received graciously by the Roman Court, + Sixtus by no means extended a cordial welcome to Lorenzo. The request + which he made for the bestowal of a Cardinal’s hat upon his brother, + Giuliano, was refused somewhat brusquely, although, to be sure, the Pope + did agree to the transfer of the custody of the finances of the Curia to + the Medici bank, through the intervention of Messer Giovanni de’ + Tornabuoni—Lorenzo’s uncle, a resident in Rome. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo appears to have made, however, rather a favourable impression upon + Sixtus, for he entered into negotiations concerning the sale of the costly + jewels which had been collected by Pope Paul II. In the end Lorenzo + purchased the cabinet and its contents, and made thereby a very excellent + bargain. + </p> + <p> + During his sojourn in the Eternal City, Lorenzo acquired a number of + precious antiques, rare manuscripts, and valuable works of art. Sixtus, + noting his artistic tastes, sent him many handsome gifts, and promised, at + his solicitation, to prevent the destruction of ancient buildings and + monuments. They parted apparently excellent friends. + </p> + <p> + Giuliano’s <i>Giostra</i> was even more brilliant than that of Lorenzo, + six years before. It was celebrated in honour of “La bella Simonetta,” + with whom the impressionable young prince became daily more and more madly + in love. Whether his infatuation went at all beyond the bounds of Platonic + affection is doubtful. His lovely <i>innamorata</i> was the wife of his + best friend, and his honour went for much in the loyal estimation of + Giuliano. Besides this, his good mother’s influence in the cause of virtue + and modesty was all-powerful with both her sons. + </p> + <p> + Strange to say, this romantic attachment stirred the jealousy of a very + prominent citizen, no less a personage than Messer Francesco de’ Pazzi. He + and his brothers declined the invitation to the <i>Giostra</i>, and + abstained from participation in the general festivities. It was a case of + race rivalry and of personal jealousy, but it meant much in the relations + of the two families. + </p> + <p> + The efforts which Lorenzo continually made “to gain a firm footing in + Florence”—as Francesco de’ Guicciardini has recorded—quite + naturally were productive of opposition and animosity. The men who had + placed him in power were again in two camps—those who were content + with the <i>status quo</i>, and those who were not. The latter made less + and less effort to conceal their real sentiments, and at length set about + to question Lorenzo’s motives, and defeat his projects. He was a <i>beau-ideal</i> + citizen, for, with all his love of show and circumstance, even in the + fulness of his dignity and dominion, he knew how to retain and exhibit + certain homely and simple traits, which were quite after the Florentine + manner. + </p> + <p> + He met criticisms and oppositions with the very characteristic statement: + “I will,” said he, “allow no man to put his foot on my throat!” This + threat—for so it was accounted by those who wished to discredit him—was + like a red gauntlet thrown down, and, later on, a hand—if not a foot—and + a dagger, were at Lorenzo’s throat! + </p> + <p> + The overstrain of desire, the feverishness of acquisitiveness, and the + lust for power, often in their intensity defeat the purpose sought. The + personality of Lorenzo waxed greater and mightier day by day in the + nervously articulated constitution of Florence. The greatest genius of his + age, he was not only the master of the Government, but the acknowledged + chief of the Platonic Academy, the first of living poets, a most + distinguished classical scholar, and the greatest benefactor the city had + ever known. Everything was within his grasp and everyone had to bow to his + will; his aim was to be autocratic Prince of Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + It was the mark of a “perfect gentleman” to unbend to plainer folk, and to + mingle with them in moments of relaxation. As a youth he had, with + Giuliano, frequented the village fairs in the Mugello, for amusement and + good fellowship: indeed they brought him inspiration and popularity as + well. When in residence in the Medici Palace he was wont to take his walks + abroad quite freely, and to sit and chat with the habitues of the <i>osterie</i> + by the Porta San Gallo, and other similar taverns. + </p> + <p> + Florentine of the Florentines, he loved tricks and jokes, and was never + tired of making fun at the expense of others: be it said, too, he knew how + to take as well as give. An amusing story is told of him: being at Pisa, + he chanced to see among the students of the University—which, by the + way, he was instrumental in re-establishing and re-endowing—a youth + who squinted. He remarked with a laugh: “That lad should easily be the + head of his class!” When questioned as to his meaning, he replied + jocosely: “Because he will read at the same time both pages of his book, + and so will learn double!” + </p> + <p> + Entering thus unostentatiously into the lives and habits of his + fellow-citizens, it was perfectly natural that he should gain their + esteem, friendship, and loyal support. He soon became out and away the + most popular man in Florence, notwithstanding the unworthy sneer of that + ill-conditioned and self-opinionated monk, Girolamo Savonarola. “Lorenzo,” + he muttered, “occupies the people with feasts and shows in order that they + may think more of their own amusement than of his ambitions.” + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo was under no delusion with respect to the permanence, in a more or + less subjective degree, of the spirit of revolt which had rendered his + father’s succession to the Headship of the Republic difficult. The very + men who had, for their own ends, misguided Piero, of course were no longer + powerful—such at least of them as were still alive were in + banishment; but their sons and their adjoints were ready enough to + question his authority. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly enough, Lorenzo took the measures of these men, and prepared to + counteract their opposition. Naturally he sought the counsel of Domina + Lucrezia, than whom nobody understood better the men of Florence, their + manners and their moods. Long and serious were the deliberations of mother + and son. With her pregnant assistance he roughed out a scheme, so warily + conceived and so faithfully elaborated, that, on its presentation to the + Lords of the Signory, it was accepted almost unanimously. + </p> + <p> + This measure touched citizens in their tenderest spot,—pride and + love of display,—for it proclaimed the appointment of the leading <i>Signori</i> + as ambassadors to foreign courts and communes. The one great absorbing + ambition of all prominent Florentines was, through all their history, to + head a foreign mission, with all its honours and emoluments. + </p> + <p> + With infinite grace and persuasiveness Lorenzo put before the Council the + advisability of the despatch of envoys, incidentally to announce his + succession to the Headship of the State, but principally to proclaim the + grandeur, the wealth, and the power, of the great Tuscan Republic. It was + a master-stroke thus to appeal to the patriotism, no less than to the + egotism, of their Excellencies, and, at the same time, to confirm his own + supremacy! + </p> + <p> + The bait, dangled before avaricious eyes, was eagerly snapped up, and when + Lorenzo backed up his proposition by munificently mounting each embassy, + and by the promise of knighthood upon the return of the ambassadors, + scarcely a man of those nominated held back. The scheme worked splendidly, + and Lorenzo had the supreme satisfaction of bidding courteous and thankful + farewells to his most prominent rivals. + </p> + <p> + Among them were such distinguished leaders of public opinion as Bernardo + de’ Buongirolami, Cesare de’ Petrucci, Bernardo del Nero, Agnolo de’ + Niccolini, and Piero Filippo de’ Pandolfini. Their departure was the + signal for the advancement of many less known men,—friends and + protégés of the two brothers or of Domina Lucrezia. In this way Lorenzo + greatly strengthened his hold upon the supreme power. + </p> + <p> + Two very prominent men, however, rejected the proposal—at once the + most popular and most dangerous—Tommaso de’ Soderini and Francesco + de’ Pazzi. + </p> + <p> + Tommaso de’ Soderini added immensely to his popularity by his noble + exhibition of self-abnegation. His prudence and ability had for long + pointed him out as the most trustworthy and experienced of his peers. His + whole-hearted loyalty to the cause of the Medici, and the consistency with + which he maintained the position he had taken up, at the plenary + Parliament in 1469, and subsequently, made him, by the contrariety of + circumstances, the most redoubtable rival of the ambitious and impulsive + <i>Capo della Repubblica</i>. + </p> + <p> + The trusty pilot, who had so effectively steered the ship of State through + the troubled waters of the interregnum, was, quite unintentionally and + unwillingly, the greatest obstacle in the way of the young captain! + Everybody who had a grievance—real or imaginary—against the + government of Lorenzo, sought Messer Tommaso’s advice and sympathy, so + that the situation became charged with difficulties and embarrassments. + The very merest change in the whim of a fickle people might upset the + Medici, and then the Soderini would be called upon to fill the vacancy. + Messer Tommaso’s presence in Florence was both a source of strength to + Lorenzo and his house, and a menace. + </p> + <p> + When the subject of the embassy to Rome—the chief diplomatic + appointment of the Republic—was broached, Messer Tommaso, with the + utmost sincerity, expressed his fervent wish to meet Lorenzo’s views in + every respect, but he expressed, quite emphatically, his disinclination to + undertake such an arduous duty. Not only did he plead the infirmities of + age, but declared that his wife, Madonna Dianora, would never leave + Florence. Her love of her own city and its people equalled that of her + sister, the Domina Magnifica Lucrezia—their social, charitable and + literary interests were alike and equal. + </p> + <p> + Here was a condition of affairs which called for the exercise of the + greatest tact and ingenuity, and Lorenzo committed the task of overcoming + the scruples of his uncle and aunt to his mother. Her efforts were + entirely successful, and Lorenzo, with a deep sigh of relief, handed + Messer Tommaso his credentials, and personally conducted him and his suite + to the Porta Romano, and thence speeded him upon his journey. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Francesco de’ Pazzi was cast in a very different sort of mould—the + very antithesis in character, demeanour, and aspiration to Tommaso de + Soderini—he has very appropriately been called “the Cataline of + Florence.” Possessed of immense wealth, much of which had come to him from + his father, Messer Antonio, he rapidly dissipated it by selfish + extravagance: no man surpassed him in the virtue or the vice—which + you will—of self-seeking. + </p> + <p> + In the bitterness of an overweening and mortified ambition he rejected, + with the utmost discourtesy, Lorenzo’s overtures, at the same time + remorselessly exposing his intentions, and vowing that no Pazzo should “go + round the corner” for a Medico! Messer Francesco displayed unreservedly + the true character of his family: he was in truth the “Mirror of his race”—“<i>L’implacabile + Pazzi</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The descent of the Pazzi was one of the most ancient among the noble + families of Tuscany. The senior branch claimed Greek descent, and its + members were early denizens of the hill-country about Fiesole. Leaders of + men, they became adherents of the aristocratic party—the Ghibellines—and + were consistent and energetic in their allegiance to the Emperor. The + junior branch of the Pazzi were dwellers in the Vale of Arno—men of + peaceful predilections in agriculture and commerce, throwing in their lot + with the Guelphs—the democratic party of the Pope. + </p> + <p> + Giano della Bella’s “<i>Ordinamenti di Giustizia</i>,” in 1293, led to the + disqualification of the Pazzi and many other notable families from the + exercise of the franchise, and, as a consequence, they were deprived of + all share in the Government. + </p> + <p> + They recognised, even in those early days of the formation of the first of + modern states, that the Medici were rivals and opponents not only in + domestic and commercial enterprise, but also in political advancement, and + no love was lost between the two families. Nevertheless, the Pazzi were + beholden to their rivals for the restoration of their civil rights. + </p> + <p> + On the return of Cosimo de’ Medici from exile in 1434, they were + reinstated, and thenceforward maintained their position. Messer Andrea, + next after Cosimo the most influential citizen of Florence, was elected to + the Priorate in 1435, and in 1439 he was called upon to entertain no less + a personage than King René of France. In 1441 he was <i>Gonfaloniere di + Giustizia</i>. + </p> + <p> + Messer Andrea left three sons—Piero, Giacopo and Antonio. Piero + served the supreme office of <i>Gonfaloniere</i> in 1462. He was the + father of a numerous family—some historians say he had nineteen + children by his wife, Madonna Fiammetta de’ Guigni! None of them, however, + made their mark in the life and history of the city, except the fourth + son, Belforte Renato, who was a prominent man but suffered for the + ill-doings of his relations. + </p> + <p> + If Piero and his sons were unassuming citizens, Messer Andrea’s second + son, Giacopo, was of a very different disposition. A man of far greater + ability and more vaulting ambition than his brother, he was looked upon as + the head of the family. In appearance he was prematurely old and withered + up, with a pallid face and palsied frame, with great restless, staring + eyes. He perpetually tossed his head about from side to side, as though + afflicted with St Vitus’ dance. Giacopo was unmarried, a libertine, + notorious as a gambler and a blasphemer, a spendthrift, and jealous—beyond + bounds—of the popularity and pre-eminence of Piero and Lorenzo de’ + Medici. He was pointed at as the most immoral man in Florence. In the year + of Lorenzo’s succession to the place of <i>Capo della Repubblica</i>, he + obtained by bribery the high office of <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i> as + a set-off, but, by an inconsistency as unexpected as it was transparent, + he accepted, on vacating office, a knighthood at the hands of his rival. + </p> + <p> + Cavaliere Giacopo’s relations with Lorenzo were fairly cordial, outwardly + at least, for as late as 1474, when at Avignon, he wrote several letters + to him, full of grateful expressions for favours received and of wishes + for a continuance of a good understanding. None of Cavaliere Giacopo’s + illegitimate children arrived at maturity, and, on account of the failure + of his elder brother’s sons to achieve distinction, the proud banner of + the family was clutched by the hands of the four boys of the youngest of + Messer Andrea’s sons—Guglielmo, Antonio, Giovanni, and Francesco. + Their mother was Cosa degli Alessandri, a granddaughter of Alessandro + degli Albizzi, who first adopted the new surname. + </p> + <p> + The brothers were very wealthy, they had amassed large fortunes in + commerce, and their houses extended for a considerable distance along that + most fashionable of streets—the Borgo degli Albizzi. The Palazzo de’ + Pazzi doubtless was commenced by their grandfather, whose emblem—a + ship—is among the architectural enrichments. The building was + finished by their uncle, Giacopo—it is in the Via del Proconsolo. + </p> + <p> + As bankers, the Pazzi were noted for their enterprise generally, and for + their competition with the Medici in particular. They had agencies in all + the chief cities of Europe and the East, but their reputation for avarice + and sharp dealing was proverbial. Perhaps no family was quite so unpopular + in Florence. Their traditions were aristocratic, whilst the Medici were + champions of the people. + </p> + <p> + This distinction was referred to by Madonna Alessandra Macinghi di Matteo + degli Strozzi, in one of her letters to her son Filippo, at Naples. “I + must bid you remember,” she wrote, “that those who are upon the side of + the Medici have always done well, whilst those who belong to the Pazzi, + the contrary. So I pray you be on your guard.” + </p> + <p> + The growing importance of the Pazzi gave Piero and Lucrezia de’ Medici + much uneasiness, and it is quite certain that the marriage of their eldest + daughter, Bianca—“Piero’s tall daughter” as she was called—to + the eldest of the three brothers, was a stroke of domestic policy by way + of controlling the race for wealth and power. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo, very soon after his accession to the Headship of the State, “took + the bull by the horns” and excluded the Pazzi from participation in public + office. It was an extreme measure and not in accordance with his usual + tact and circumspection, and of course it produced the greatest ill-will + and resentment against him and his administration in every member of the + proscribed family. + </p> + <p> + The situation became greatly embittered when, in 1477, Lorenzo interfered + in a law-suit which concerned the marriage dower and inheritance of + Beatrice, the daughter of Giovanni Buonromeo. By Florentine law the + daughter should have inherited the fortune without demur, under the + express will of her father, who died intestate; but, at Lorenzo’s command, + the estate was passed on to Beatrice’s cousin, Carlo Buonromeo, who was + the winner of the second prize in Lorenzo’s <i>Giostra</i> of 1468. This + decision was in direct opposition to Giuliano de’ Medici’s opinion, and he + did all he could to reassure Giovanni de’ Pazzi, Guglielmo’s brother, and + Beatrice’s husband, of friendship and confidence. + </p> + <p> + These were not the only incidents which followed one another at the + parting of the ways of the two families, but the affair of Giovanni and + Beatrice was resented with peculiar bitterness by all the Pazzi. “Hence + arose,” as Francesco de’ Guicciardini has testified, “the wronging of the + Pazzi!” + </p> + <p> + In Francesco, the youngest of the brethren, was exhibited the most violent + animosity and hatred. Blessed with superabundant self-conceit, which went + so far as to cause him to spend hours a day having his unusually + light-coloured hair dressed at the barber’s and his face salved and puffed + at the apothecary’s to conceal his muddy complexion, he was reckoned, in + the Mercato Nuovo, as little better than an ill-conditioned <i>braggadoccio</i>! + His shortness of stature he sought to atone for by his accentuation of the + Florentine pout and the Tuscan strut—he was well known, too, for his + contemptuous jokes at the expense of others. + </p> + <p> + Francesco denounced Lorenzo and his Government with unmeasured scorn, and, + careless of restraint, threatened that “he would be even with him, even + though it cost him his life.” Macchiavelli says: “He was the most + unscrupulous of his family.” “A man of blood,” Agnolo Poliziano called + him, “who, when he meditated any design, went straight to his goal, + regardless of morality, religion, reputation and consequences.” + </p> + <p> + Early in March he quitted Florence suddenly, giving out that his presence + was required at Rome in connection with the affairs of the Pazzi bank. To + say that his departure was a relief to Lorenzo is but half the truth, for + he was greatly perturbed with respect to the influence which such a + passionate and reckless rival would have upon his relations with the Holy + See. Francesco was the subject of watchfulness upon the part of the Medici + agents in Rome, where Giovanni de’ Tornabuoni set himself to thwart any + hostile movement which might be made. + </p> + <p> + Among prominent men with whom Francesco de’ Pazzi was thrown into contact + were Archbishop Francesco de’ Salviati and Count Girolamo de’ Riari. The + Archbishop and Francesco were no strangers to one another; their families + had risen to affluence and power side by side in Florence, actuated by + like sentiments and engaged in like activities—hatred of the Medici + was mutual. + </p> + <p> + Sixtus had proposed, in 1474, to bestow upon Francesco de’ Salviati the + Archbishopric of Florence, but the <i>Signoria</i>, instigated by Lorenzo, + refused to confirm his appointment and declined to grant him the + temporalities of the See. The Pope yielded very ungraciously to the + representations of the Florentine Government and named Rinaldo d’Orsini, + Lorenzo’s brother-in-law, to the vacancy. This intervention was adduced by + Sixtus afterwards as insubordination worthy of punishment, and he did not + forget to take his revenge. + </p> + <p> + The following year Francesco de’ Salviati was chosen as + Archbishop-designate of Pisa, and again the Florentines objected—being + joined by the Pisans, who conspired to prevent him taking possession. The + Archbishop was, according to Agnolo Poliziano—the devoted historian + and poet-laureate of Lorenzo il Magnifico—“An ignorant man, a + contemner of all law—human and divine—a man steeped in crime, + and a disgrace to his family and the whole State.” + </p> + <p> + Count Girolamo de’ Riari, accounted a nephew of Sixtus, was, like his + elder brother Piero and Caterina his sister, a natural child of the Pope. + The three were treated with parental affection by the pontiff, and had + their home in his private apartments, being waited upon by their + unrecognised mother in the guise of nurse and guardian. + </p> + <p> + Piero de’ Riari was created a Cardinal when a spoilt boy, and became, as a + man, infamous for his debauchery and villainy. Sixtus had the effrontery + to select him as successor to Archbishop Orsini in Florence, but his + action was prompted by a motive, which was firmly fixed in his heart. This + was nothing less than the supplanting of Lorenzo de’ Medici by Piero or + Girolamo! So far, however, as Cardinal de’ Riari was concerned, Sixtus’ + ambitions were wholly disappointed by his sudden death, due to violent + excesses of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + Like his brother, Count Girolamo, the offspring of illicit lust, and + brought up in the depraved atmosphere of the Papal court, was a reprobate; + but Sixtus’ vaulting ambition stopped not at character and reputation. He + was bent upon the permanent aggrandisement of all the branches of the + Delle Rovere family. Casting about for territorial dignity, the Pope set + his heart upon the Lordship of Imola, where Taddeo Manfredi of Faenza, + being in financial difficulties, had surrendered the fief to the Duke of + Milan. + </p> + <p> + The proposal to bestow the Lordship upon Count Girolamo de’ Riari by + purchase was warmly resented by the Florentines. Sixtus approached the + question in a most underhand and suspicious manner. He knew perfectly well + that negotiations were on foot for the acquisition of the property and + title by Lorenzo, on behalf of the Florentine Government. Nevertheless he + sent a secret mission to Galeazzo Sforza, Duke of Milan, offering the + handsome sum of fifty thousand gold ducats, with a proviso, that the Duke + should bestow the hand of his illegitimate daughter Caterina upon + Girolamo. + </p> + <p> + By way of adding insult to injury, Sixtus impudently sought a loan from + the Medici bank, with which to pay the Duke: this greatly offended Lorenzo + and all the leading men in Florence. What made the Pope’s conduct more + despicable, was the knowledge that he regarded this matter as the first + step in a line of policy which aimed at supersession of the Medici by the + Riari in the direction of Tuscan affairs—himself being Over-Lord. + </p> + <p> + The Pope’s demand was refused indignantly by Lorenzo, who, in the name of + the <i>Signoria</i>, administered to his Holiness a severe rebuke for his + interference in the affairs of Florence. The relations between the two + Governments became strained, but Sixtus was perfectly indifferent to + opposition where personal interests were concerned. + </p> + <p> + His next move was the withdrawal of the Duke of Urbino, his relative, from + the military service of the Republic, and his appointment as + Commander-in-Chief of the Papal forces. This manoeuvre was regarded with + alarm by all the Italian States, and a league was formed by Florence, + Venice, and Milan, to check Papal encroachments. + </p> + <p> + Sixtus made overtures to the Duke of Milan to detach him from the + alliance, but, apparently, they failed of their object. The Duke was + friendly with Lorenzo and had no wish to become embroiled with Florence. + </p> + <p> + All these plots and counterplots were exactly to the liking of Francesco + de’ Pazzi, and he laid himself out to make capital out of them. Not only + did he encourage the Pope in his inimical policy, but he placed at his + command the sum of money which had been refused by the Medici bank. Sixtus + was delighted with his new and wealthy adherent, and forthwith gave the + presidents of the Medici bank in Rome notice that they no longer retained + his confidence as Papal bankers, and that, accordingly, he had transferred + the accounts of the Curia to the care of the rival Pazzi house. Upon + Francesco de’ Pazzi he conferred the accolade of knighthood. This hostile + action of course further estranged Lorenzo and the Government of Florence, + and, quite naturally, a system of quarrelsome incidents was set up, with a + very complete equipment of spies. + </p> + <p> + Sixtus never concealed his desire for the overthrow of Lorenzo and the + subversion of the Florentine Government, and his hostility found a + whole-hearted response in the persons of Count Girolamo de’ Riari, + Archbishop Francesco de’ Salviati, and Cavaliere Francesco de’ Pazzi. The + Pope exulted openly in what capital he could make out of tales and gossip + about Lorenzo and his entourage. Two prominent Florentines fomented this + factious spirit. Giovanni Neroni—the Archbishop of Florence in + succession to Archbishop d’Orsini, brother of the notorious Diotisalvi, + who was banished in 1466—and Agnolo Acciaiuolo—also banished + the same year, who resided in Rome and was an especial favourite at the + Vatican. + </p> + <p> + Charges of opposition to the policy of the Pope were freely thrown in the + teeth of Lorenzo, and some of them were true, for the actions of the Pope + led all observant men to the conclusion that he proposed to assume the + rôle of arbiter in the affairs of all the Italian States. On the other + hand, Lorenzo’s policy was peaceful, his aim being the consolidation of + Medicean domination in the affairs of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + Causes such as these brought about the initiation of the dastardly plot + known in history as “The Pazzi Conspiracy.” The name is somewhat open to + criticism, for, although the Pazzi were the chief instruments employed, + and exceeded all others in detestation of the Medici, the “forefront and + head of the offending” was no less a personage than Pope Sixtus IV. + </p> + <p> + “His Holiness hates Lorenzo,” said Count Girolamo de’ Riari; this was the + cue to all that followed. Doubtless the Pope was much in the power of + sycophants and adventurers—all immoral rulers are. Each knew his man + and held him in the palm of his left hand; and none were backward in + impressing this knowledge upon him. + </p> + <p> + “We can always make our lord the Pope do as we please,” was Archbishop + Salviati’s very apposite declaration! It was re-echoed by Francesco de’ + Pazzi, who added significantly, “and we mean to rid Florence of the + Medici.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + All through the year 1477 the three arch-conspirators were elaborating + their plan of action. Possibly Sixtus—and we may give the miscreant + the favour of the doubt—at first merely wished to upset the + Government of Florence and banish Lorenzo and Giuliano by direct means. + When, however, it was borne in upon him that the immense popularity of the + Medici would, in the event of their supersession, only lead to their + triumphant recall, he agreed that there was nothing for it but the removal + of the two brothers in a more summary manner. + </p> + <p> + This association of Giuliano with Lorenzo was a miserable exhibition of + personal spite. He had refused him the Cardinalate simply because he + foresaw the succession of a Medici to the Papal throne, whilst he purposed + handing over the triple tiara to his son, Cardinal Piero de’ Riari. + Nevertheless, there was some idea in the mind of Sixtus, which he conveyed + to his fellow-conspirators, of making an agreement with Giuliano, that if + he would condone the exile of his brother, then his should be the + reversion of the Popedom after Cardinal de’ Riari! + </p> + <p> + Some authorities say Giuliano lent a not unwilling ear to those overtures, + but a saner view is that expressed by Agnolo Poliziano in an epigram:— + </p> + <p> + “Lorenzo—Giuliano—one spirit, love, and aim Animate you both—this, + truly, I, your friend, proclaim.” + </p> + <p> + Giuliano’s love for Lorenzo was, like that of David and Jonathan, “a love + surpassing that of women.” He consistently submitted his own ambitions to + the exaltation of his brother’s magnificence. + </p> + <p> + The cogitations of the leaders of the conspiracy were disturbed by the + fact that, however excellent their schemes might be, there was absolute + necessity for the co-operation of other influences. Rome unaided could not + cope with Florence, backed as she was by France, Venice, Milan, Ferrara, + and Mantua. Sixtus consequently broached the subject of the suppression of + the Medici to the King of Naples and to the Duke of Urbino—the + support of Siena was always assured in any attack on her great rival. + </p> + <p> + The king had a personal quarrel with Lorenzo, because he had married + Clarice d’Orsini in preference to his daughter, whose hand he had, in a + way, offered to the young prince. He at once acceded to the Pope’s + invitation, and, as good as his word, he despatched his son, the Duke of + Calabria, at the head of an armed force, professedly to demand prompt + payment by the Republic of arrears due to him for service rendered to + Florence. + </p> + <p> + At the solicitation of Sixtus these troops were retained in Tuscany on the + pretext that the Papal fief of Imola required protection. Of course the + real purpose was a menace to Lorenzo: the force being at hand to strike a + swift blow when necessary. + </p> + <p> + Duke Federigo of Urbino was made more or less conversant with the Papal + policy, and with the special question of Lorenzo’s removal. He at once + rejected the proposition that resort should be had to violent or secret + measures, and in disgust at Sixtus’s conduct, he threw up his appointment + as Commander of the Papal forces. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Sixtus was making all these military preparations for the + furtherance of his intentions, his co-conspirators removed the scene of + their activities to the neighbourhood of Florence, where the Pazzi and + Salviati were at one in their readiness to lay down their lives for the + undoing of the Medici. They first of all took into their confidence one of + the Papal Condottieri, a man of undoubted courage and ability—Giovanni + Battista da Montesicco, a native of the Roman Campagna—who was under + heavy obligation to Count Girolamo de’ Riari. Of course he was perfectly + willing, as became his calling, to sell his sword for good payment: he + further undertook to enlist his lieutenant, Hieronimo Comiti, in the + cause. + </p> + <p> + The Condottiere was sent off to Florence to communicate to Cavaliere + Giacopo de’ Pazzi the “idea” of the three chief plotters, to test his + feelings, and, if possible, secure his adherence. At first the old man was + “as cold as ice”—so Montesicco said in his confession later on—and + declined to take any part in the conspiracy. After hearing all that was + put before him, he enquired whether Sixtus approved the scheme. + </p> + <p> + “Why, his Holiness,” replied the Condottiere, “has sent me straight to + your Honour to ask your support.... I speak for the Pope.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Giacopo, “I am with you.” + </p> + <p> + A few days later Archbishop Salviati and Francesco de’ Pazzi joined + Montesicco at Giacopo’s country villa, at Montughi, just beyond the Porta + Rosso, on the high road to Bologna. Consultations between the heads of the + two families, Pazzi and Salviati—were held there, with the + concurrence of a certain number of influential citizens inimical to the + Medici. + </p> + <p> + These meetings were given out as hunting-parties and, to blind their eyes, + overtures were made to both Lorenzo and Giuliano to honour the sport with + their presence. Needless to say, Francesco de’ Pazzi’s return to Florence, + in company with the unfriendly Archbishop, aroused Lorenzo’s suspicions, + but he does not appear to have taken any action. + </p> + <p> + Montesicco was instructed to make himself and his lieutenant familiar with + the stage upon which he was destined to play his part of the plot, and + especially to observe the persons and the habits of the two Medici + princes. Furthermore, he was directed to seek a personal interview with + Lorenzo, on the pretence of submitting suggestions, propounded by Count + Girolamo, with respect to the acquisition of some <i>poderi</i> near + Faenza. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo received his visitor with his usual courtesy and hospitality, and, + whilst he wondered why Riario should depute such a redoubtable warrior to + deal with peaceful matters, he never dreamt that foul play was intended. + Montesicco was greatly impressed by the Magnifico’s ingenuousness and + nobility of character, and still more by the evident esteem and affection + in which he was held by all classes of the population. He earnestly + reconsidered the bargain he had made: “I resolved,” he said in his + confession, “that my sword should not slay that just man.” + </p> + <p> + The counsels at Montughi were divergent and acrimonious. At length a + resolution was agreed to, as offering a suitable and secure locality for + the perpetration of the deed in contemplation, namely, to invite Lorenzo + to Rome in the name of Sixtus. Such a step would be regarded as a proof + that the Pope no longer opposed Lorenzo’s government, but that a <i>modus + vivendi</i> had been reached, agreeable to all parties. Giuliano was to be + included in the invitation as well. Of course the hope was entertained + that a favourable opportunity would be afforded, during the Papal + hospitalities, for the murder of the two brothers. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop took the lead in all these deliberations—he and + Giacopo de’ Pazzi were boon companions. “They made no profession of any + virtue,” wrote Ser Varillas, in his <i>Secret History of the Medici</i>, + “either moral or Christian; they played perpetually at dice, swore + confoundedly, and showed no respect for religion.” + </p> + <p> + Confident in the general support of all the members of his family, in any + demonstration against the hated Medici, he took into his personal + confidence his brother, Giacopo de’ Salviati—“an obscure, sordid + man”—and his nephew, Giacopo—“a wastrel and a fanatical + anti-Medicean.” + </p> + <p> + Among the trustworthy Florentine confederates the Archbishop enrolled + Giacopo, son of the famous scholar, Poggio Gucchio de’ Bracciolini, + originally a protégé of Lorenzo, but “dismissed his service for insolence + and rapacity”; Giovanni Perugino, of San Gimignano, a physician attached + to Cavaliere Giacopo’s household; Giovanni Domenico, a bridle-maker and + athlete, but “an idle sort of fellow”; and Napoleone de’ Franzesi, a + friend of Guglielmo de’ Pazzi, Lorenzo’s brother-in-law. Another adherent + was Messer Giovanni da Pisa, a notary, but “a factious and bad man.” + </p> + <p> + Before leaving Rome, Francesco de’ Pazzi and the Archbishop had agreed + with Count Girolamo de’ Riari to engage the services of two desperadoes in + the pay of the Pope—Bernardo Bandino of the Florentine family of + Baroncelli, “a reckless and a brutal man and a bankrupt to boot,” and + Amerigo de’ Corsi, “the renegade son of a worthy father,”—Messer + Bernardo de’ Corsi of the ancient Florentine house of that ilk. Two + ill-living priests were also added to the roll of the conspirators —Frate + Antonio, son of Gherardo de’ Maffei of Volterra, and Frate Stefano, son of + Niccolo Piovano da Bagnore. The former was exasperated against Lorenzo for + the reckless sack of Volterra, and because he had taken possession of a + valuable alum-pit belonging to his family. The latter was <i>Vicario</i> + of Monte Murlo, an upstart Papal précis-writer, whose family was plebeian + and employed upon Pazzi property in that locality; he was “a man steeped + in crime and a creature of Cavaliere Giacopo de’ Pazzi.” + </p> + <p> + So many having been admitted into the secret of the conspiracy, it became + a matter of urgent importance that no delay should arise in the fulfilment + of the design; the fear of espionage and leakage was ever present to the + minds of the leaders. But what to do, and where, and how, baffled all + their ingenuity. At last a lead came, quite unexpectedly from Sixtus + himself. + </p> + <p> + At Pisa was a youth, studying law and philosophy—Raffaelle Sansoni—the + son of Count Girolamo’s only sister, just sixteen years of age, and “very + tender in the heart of the Pope.” Early in 1478 Sixtus had preconised him + Cardinal of San Giorgio, and added the honour of Legate for Archbishop + Salviati’s induction to that See—the richest, by the way, in all + Italy. + </p> + <p> + The boy Cardinal, in April, was directed, by Sixtus, to make a progress to + Imola on a visit to his uncle and aunt, and to take Florence on his way, + for the purpose of paying his respects to Lorenzo. There was, of course, + much more in this apparently innocent proceeding than appeared at first + view. Francesco de’ Pazzi at once obtained Cavaliere Giacopo’s permission + to offer the hospitality of his villa to his youthful eminence and his + suite. + </p> + <p> + Montesicco was ordered to furnish an escort of cavalry in the name of the + Pope—“men who were perfectly trustworthy and prepared to carry out + whatever commands they received.” + </p> + <p> + After the cavalcade had set forth, Francesco sent a message to Lorenzo de’ + Medici, suggesting that it might be agreeable to all parties if he could + see his way to entertain the Cardinal. Both he and the Archbishop, who was + in the company of the Cardinal, knew very well that the proposition would + be cordially entertained by the hospitable Magnifico. + </p> + <p> + As they had anticipated, no sooner had the news reached Florence that the + distinguished visitors were approaching the city, than a dignified + deputation of <i>Signori</i> set out to meet them, conveying a courteous + invitation to be Lorenzo’s guests at Fiesole. + </p> + <p> + A splendid reception was followed by a noble entertainment, whereat all + the more notable dignitaries of the city and the principal members of the + Platonic Academy assisted. Among the guests of honour were Archbishop + Francesco de’ Salviati, with the Ambassadors—Giovanni Morino, + representing Ferrante, King of Naples; Filippo Sagramoro, the Duke of + Milan; and Ercole di Bendio, the Duke of Ferrara. In special attendance + upon Lorenzo, and of ambassadorial rank, were the Cavalieri Agnolo della + Stufa, Luigi de’ Guicciardini, Bernardo de’ Buongirolami, and Buongiano + de’ Gianfigliazzi, and others. + </p> + <p> + The conspirators were in a state of the highest expectation that + Montesicco and his lieutenant would have no difficulty in finding + opportunities to effect their dastardly purpose during the festivities. + They were doomed to disappointment, for at the last moment, and when the + banquet was in progress, it was remarked that Giuliano was absent—he + was indisposed and unable to attend the function! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The Sunday following, 26th April, happened to be the name-day of the + Cardinal, and he expressed a wish to hear High Mass in Santa Maria del + Fiore. Lorenzo announced his intention of personally conducting his + eminence to the Duomo, and requested him to honour the Domina Clarice and + himself by attending a State dinner at the Medici Palace, in the Via + Larga, at the conclusion of the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + This was much to the mind of the confederates, for, surely, there would be + a favourable opportunity for the execution of the plot. In secret session + it was arranged that, at the moment of the Elevation of the Host, Giovanni + Battista da’ Montesicco should stab Lorenzo, whilst Francesco de’ Pazzi + and Bernardo Bandino should fall upon Giuliano. + </p> + <p> + The Condottiere, however, firmly refused to commit the double crime of + sacrilege and murder, and, point-blank, declined all further share in the + conspiracy. Here was an entirely unlooked-for situation, and an + alternative plan was not easy to arrange. Francesco de’ Pazzi seemed + inclined to step into the breach, but detestation of Lorenzo checked his + ardour—he would not soil his hands with the blood of such a + contemptible tyrant, a menial should administer the blow! There was no + lack of volunteers ready to take Montesicco’s place, but excessive caution + was requisite that no prominent Florentine conspirator should be chosen, + lest suspicion should be aroused. + </p> + <p> + Finally the two clerical members of the conspiracy, Frati Antonio and + Stefano, were entrusted with the grim duty. The appointment was quite the + best that could be made, because, at the Cathedral, Lorenzo and his + immediate entourage would be placed with the clergy, within the choir, + whereas to the Pazzi and the other confederates places would be assigned + outside the screen, among the unofficial congregation. + </p> + <p> + Everything was in order, the great bell of the Duomo was sounding its + invitation, and the sacred building was packed with worshippers and + spectators. In full state Lorenzo, accompanied by Domina Clarice and their + Court, led Cardinal Sansoni to his chair of estate by the high altar. + </p> + <p> + If, as he himself affirmed, Lorenzo was deprived of the pleasure of smell, + he had compensation in the greater acuteness of the other four senses, and + it must have struck his keen eyes, as he passed to his place, that there + seemed to be an unusually large muster of adherents of the Pazzi and + Salviati. Probably he reflected that they were there armed in honour of + the Cardinal, who was the guest of Cavaliere Giacopo and under the + guidance of Archbishop Francesco, as deputy of his Holiness the Pope. + </p> + <p> + In the vast congregation everybody of importance in Florence was + assembled, with two notable exceptions—the mother and the only + brother of Lorenzo il Magnifico. The Domina Lucrezia, who had suddenly + retired from the prominent position she held at the Court of her son, + remained at Careggi with the venerable Madonna Contessina, Cosimo’s widow, + upon whom she waited with the utmost devotion. + </p> + <p> + The other absentee was, once more, Giuliano! Consternation seized upon the + conspirators, for the slaughter would not be complete without the shedding + of his blood. + </p> + <p> + The preliminary anthems were being sung as the procession of the celebrant + of the Mass, with his sacred ministers moved from the New Sacristy, and + every head was bowed before the symbol of the cross. Hesitation on the + part of the confederates meant ruin, and, perhaps, death: this no one knew + better than Francesco de’ Pazzi. Beckoning to Bernardo Bandino, he led the + way to the north door of the Cathedral, and hurried off with him to the + Medici Palace, not many yards away. + </p> + <p> + Asking to see the Lord Giuliano, the porter led them into the courtyard, + and presently the groom of the chamber conducted them into the young + prince’s apartment. Giuliano was nearly dressed, and his valet was giving + some final touches to his abundant brown hair and to his robes. + </p> + <p> + “Hasten, my lord, the Mass is in saying, or you will be too late,” + exclaimed Francesco, “we have come to conduct you to the Duomo.” Giuliano + was in a gleeful mood, and joked his visitors upon their unexpected + attentions. At length he cried out: “Lead on, Pazzo—Medico will + follow!” + </p> + <p> + Taking him in his humour, Francesco slipped his arm round Giuliano’s waist—apparently + as a mark of good-fellowship, but really for the purpose of feeling + whether he was wearing armour under his blue velvet tunic. With Bandino on + the other side, the three made the rest of their way through the dense + crowd in the Via Larga, being greeted respectfully by old and young, + though many wondered at “<i>Il bel Giulio’s</i>” unwonted companions. + </p> + <p> + Entering the Duomo, the three stood a moment whilst a clear course was + made for Giuliano to the centre of the congregation. Lorenzo and the + clergy and dignitaries within the choir were already upon their knees, + ready to prostrate themselves as the celebrant held aloft the Sacred Host. + Near Lorenzo were Giovanni de’ Tornabuoni, his uncle,—famous for his + wealth, influence at Rome, and his probity,—Antonio and Lorenzo de’ + Cavalcanti, Lorenzo de’ Tornabuoni, Marco de’ Vespucci, and Filippo degli + Strozzi, Chamberlains of Honour, and other distinguished Florentines and + the foreign ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Giuliano reached the entrance to the choir and was about to + genuflect, than Francesco de’ Pazzi, who had followed him closely, whipped + out his sword, at the very moment of the Elevation, and ran the devout + prince, through the back! At the same time Bandino leaped upon him and + stabbed him repeatedly in the breast! + </p> + <p> + It was all the work of an instant, and Giuliano fell over upon his side, + his crimson life’s blood ebbing swiftly out of nineteen gaping wounds and + dyeing his scarlet robe deep purple. Francesco’s frenzy was diabolical, + for he leaped upon the still quivering body of his victim, and stabbed him + again and again—wounding his own thigh in his fury! + </p> + <p> + Bandino next attacked Francesco Nori, a chief agent or manager of the + Medici bank, a man of renown and honour, who vainly threw himself forward + to shield his unhappy young patron, and he cut him down to the ground. + With a filthy execration, he raised the dripping weapon in the air, + prepared for yet another victim. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the two perjured priests, who, by the mock grace of their Order + were placed within the choir, had taken up positions immediately behind + Lorenzo, as though to render him assistance in the divine service, + suddenly attacked him with daggers, but unskilfully. Lorenzo scrambled to + his feet, and, casting his heavy mantle of State over his shoulders, drew + his sword in self-defence. Turning to see who his opponents were, he + received a scratch in the neck from Stefano’s steel. Then, from the raised + dais, he descried the tumult at the choir gates, whilst cries of “<i>Il + Giuliano e morto</i>” reached his ears! + </p> + <p> + Desperadoes were struggling with the clergy and the acolytes by the great + lectern, and calling out his name for vengeance. One, more murderous than + the rest, was scaling the low sanctuary wall, holding his gory dagger in + the air, and making for the chairs of estate—it was Bernardo + Bandino. Commending the Domina Clarice to the care of his uncle, Lorenzo + passed hurriedly up the steps of the altar and gained the New Sacristy, + followed closely by the two Cavalcanti, who were battling with the + infuriated Bandino and his confederates—“<i>Abbasso il Lorenzo</i>,” + they yelled. + </p> + <p> + Escaping through the doorway, Luca della Robbia’s great bronze gates were + slammed to, by Angelo Poliziano, almost crushing Antonio Cavalcanti, who + fell with a deep wound in his shoulder, and actually flinging to the + ground, outside in the aisle, the raging, baffled Bandino. “Then arose,” + wrote Filippo Strozzi, in his family <i>Ricordi</i>—he was an + eye-witness of the tragedy—“a great tumult in the church. Messer + Bongiano and other knights, with whom I was conversing, were stupefied, + one fled hither and another thither, loud shouts filled the building, and + the hands of friends of the Pazzi and Salviati all held gleaming + weapons.... The young Cardinal remained alone, crouching by the high + altar, until he was led away by some priests into the Old Sacristy, whence + he was escorted by two of the ‘Eight,’ with a strong bodyguard, to the + Palazzo del Podesta.” + </p> + <p> + Inside the New Sacristy it was discovered that Lorenzo’s wound was serious + enough to call for immediate treatment, and one of his devoted pages, + young Antonio de’ Ridolfi, sucked it for fear of poison. The great heavy + metal doors were incessantly battered from without, but no one dared to + open them, and Lorenzo remained where he was until the hubbub in the Duomo + appeared to be abating. Then another page, Sismondo della Stufa, climbed + up into the organ gallery, whence he could look into the church, and + reported that none but friends of the Medici remained, and they were + crying out for Lorenzo to accept their escort to the palace. So the + Magnifico departed. + </p> + <p> + All the while the great bell of the Palazzo Vecchio was booming out its + dread summons for the city trained bands and the armed members of the + Guilds to assemble for the defence of the city and the maintenance of + their liberties. Loud cries of “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Liberta!</i>” rolled + up the street, drowned by a great chorus of “<i>Evviva le Palle!</i>” “<i>Abasso + i Traditori!</i>” The whole city was in an uproar and blood was being + spilt on every side. + </p> + <p> + What had happened was tragically this. Whilst one half of the conspirators + was told off to strike the fatal blow, the other half was directed to + rally round Archbishop Salviati, who, by the way, made some excuse for not + assisting ministerially at the Mass, but took up his station close to the + north door of the Duomo. Directly they saw Giuliano struck to the ground, + they made all haste to the Palazzo Vecchio, and demanded an interview with + Messer Cesare de’ Petrucci, the <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i>, who had + been detained by urgent matters in the Courts. + </p> + <p> + When Messer Petruccio enquired the nature of their business, the + Archbishop replied: “We are come, all the family of Salviati, to pay our + respects to the <i>Gonfaloniere</i>, as in duty bound.” Messer Cesare was + at lunch, but, rising from table, he welcomed the Archbishop, who entered + the apartment alone. He asked him to be speedy, as he had to join the + banquet to the Cardinal di San Giorgio almost immediately. + </p> + <p> + Salviati said he was the bearer of his family’s greetings to the <i>Gonfaloniere</i>, + and also of a private Brief to him from the Pope. His manner seemed so + strange, and his errand so irregular, that Petruccio’s suspicions were + aroused, and raising the arras, he saw the passage was filled with armed + men. At once he called the palace guard to arrest the intruders, and + caused every door of exit to be locked. + </p> + <p> + The object, of course, of the Archbishop and those with him was to seize + the person of the <i>Gonfaloniere</i> and possess themselves of the Banner + of Justice—that they might rouse the citizens to fight in its + defence. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, the people were for the Medici, and “<i>Palle!</i>” “<i>Palle!</i>” + prevailed. Noting that the Salviati did not leave the palace, and that the + guards had been withdrawn from the gate and every door was bolted, the + populace broke into the building, rescued the <i>Gonfaloniere</i>, and the + <i>Signori</i> with him, and seized the persons of the intruders. + </p> + <p> + Without more ado they ran the miscreants, Francesco, Giacopo, and Giacopo + di Giacopo de’ Salviati, Giacopo de’ Bracciolini, and Giovanni da Perugia, + up to the lantern of the Campanile, and, thrusting their bodies through + the machicolations, hung them head downwards! Others of the party and some + of the Cardinal’s servants, who had accompanied the Archbishop, were flung + from the windows. + </p> + <p> + Cavaliere Giacopo de’ Pazzi was neither at the Duomo, nor did he accompany + the Archbishop to the Palazzo Vecchio. His part was to await news from + Salviati that he had seized the <i>Gonfaloniere</i> and the palace, and + then to ride fully armed with a retinue of mercenaries and Montesicco’s + bodyguard of the Cardinal to the Piazza della Signoria. Without awaiting + the signal he advanced, raising the cry “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Liberta!</i>” + but none rallied to his side. + </p> + <p> + Instead, he and his escort were pelted with stones and, on arriving in the + Piazza, he beheld the gruesome human decoration of the Campanile. Without + a moment’s hesitation, spurring his horse, he rode swiftly towards the + Porta della Croce, and set off into the open country—a fugitive! + </p> + <p> + Francesco de’ Pazzi, after the slaughter of Giuliano, escaped to his + uncle’s house, and stripping himself, received attention to his wound, + which was of a very serious nature. He was not, however, left very long in + peace, for the cry had gone forth in the streets—“Death to the + traitors!” “Down with the Pazzi and the Salviati!” “Fire their houses!” + The sword, still reeking red with the bluest blood of Florence, was + swiftly crossed by the sword of retribution. Francesco was dragged forth, + naked as he was from his bed, buffeted, pelted, and spat upon, they thrust + him with staves, weapons, hands and feet, right through the Piazza della + Signoria; up they forced him to the giddy gallery of the Campanile, and + then, flinging his bleeding, battered body out among his bloodthirsty + comrades, they left him to dangle and to die with them there! The + Archbishop, still in his gorgeous vestments, turned in fury, as he hung + head downwards in that ghastly company, and, seizing his fiendish + confederate, fixed his teeth in his bare breast, and so the guilty pair + expiated their hellish rage—unlovely in their lives, revolting in + their deaths! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Poor Giuliano’s corpse was left weltering in his blood, where he had been + done to death, outside the choir screen of the Duomo. At length he was + picked up tenderly by the good <i>Misericordia</i>. His terrible wounds + were reverently washed and his godlike body prepared for sepulture. News + of his assassination had been swiftly carried out to Careggi, and Domina + Lucrezia, bracing herself for the afflicting sight, hastened to lay his + fair head in her lap, a very real replica of “<i>La Pietà</i>”—Blessed + Mary and her Son. + </p> + <p> + Ah! how she and the women who bore her company wept for the beloved dead. + Ah! how with tender fingers they counted each gaping wound. Ah! how gently + they cut off locks of his rich hair, as memorials of a sweet young life. + </p> + <p> + They buried Giuliano that same evening, with all the honours due to his + rank, amid the tears of an immense concourse of people—stayed for a + while from their savage man-hunt. To the Medici shrine of San Lorenzo they + bore him—the yellow light of the wax candles revealing the tombs of + Cosimo and Piero. + </p> + <p> + “There was not a citizen,” says Macchiavelli, “who, armed or unarmed, did + not go to the palace of Lorenzo in this time of trouble, to offer him his + person and his property—such was the position and the affection that + the Medici had acquired by their prudence and their liberality.” + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo came out on the loggia, and addressed the people massed in the + street. He thanked them for their devotion and assistance, but entreated + them, for his dear, dead brother’s sake, to abstain from further + atrocities and to disperse to their homes in peace. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, all the Pazzi and Salviati were proclaimed “<i>Ammoniti</i>” + and they were pursued from house to house, whilst the peasants took up the + hue and cry in the <i>contado</i>. Bleeding heads and torn limbs were + everywhere scattered in the streets; door-posts and curb-stones were + dashed with gore; men and women and the children, too, were all relentless + avengers of “<i>Il bel Giulio’s</i>” blood. It is said that one hundred + and eighty stark corpses were borne away by the merciful <i>Misericordia</i> + and buried secretly! + </p> + <p> + Cavaliere Giacopo, who had escaped into the hilly country of the + Falterona, near the source of the Arno, was recognised by a couple of + countrymen, who were frequenters of the markets in Florence. They seized + him and took him to the city gate, where they sold him for fifty gold + florins. His shrift was short, for his purchasers, adherents of the + Medici, hacked off his head in the street, and carried it upon a pole to + the Ponte Vecchio! Buried at Santa Croce, in the chapel of the Pazzi, his + mutilated body was not left long in its grave. It was pulled up, denuded + of the shroud, and, with a rope tied round the feet, dragged by men and + women and even children to the Lung’ Arno, and pitched, like a load of + refuse, into the dusky river! + </p> + <p> + Several of the arch-conspirators hid for a while in various places, mostly + in convents, but their time came for punishment. The two priests, Antonio + and Stefano, were, two days after the tragedy in the Duomo, brought out of + the cellars of the <i>Badia</i> of the Benedictines at Santa Firenze, and + killed, not swiftly and mercifully, but tortured and mutilated to the + satisfaction of the rabble. + </p> + <p> + Bernard Bandino, after picking himself up at the New Sacristy doors, + immediately realised the failure of the conspiracy, and, wise man that he + was, put his own safety before all other considerations. He worked his way + through the struggling crowd in the Cathedral and got out by the south + portal. Luckily enough, the Cardinal’s horse had been left tethered by its + affrighted groom hard by, so without awaiting news from the Archbishop, he + vaulted into the saddle and made off at a hand gallop to the Porta Santa + Croce. + </p> + <p> + With more cunning than Giacopo had shown, he made, not to the Tuscan + hills, but to the Tuscan sea, and reached Corneto just in time to board a + ship bound for the East, and at the point of weighing anchor. At Galata he + went ashore and communicated with Sixtus, who sent him a goodly sum of + money and sundry Papal safeguards, with his blessing! + </p> + <p> + There he lay hid for many weeks, but, as luck would have it, one day he + came out of his lair in a Turkish divan, and encountered an agent of the + Medici, who recognised him, followed him, and charged him before the + Pasha. Put in irons by the Sultan’s command, communication was made with + Lorenzo. An envoy was despatched to Constantinople, to whom the wretch was + handed, and, two months after his crimes in Santa Maria del Fiore, his + living body was added to the string of stinking corpses, upon the side of + the Campanile, which still dangled in their iron chains, betwixt earth and + heaven, rained on and withered by the elements, and fed upon by carrion! + </p> + <p> + All the seven sons of Piero de’ Pazzi were banished for life. They seem to + have had no very intimate knowledge of the conspiracy; indeed, they were + all away from Florence, except the fourth, Renato, and he was beheaded + “for not having revealed the plot, he being privy to the treachery of his + uncle Giacopo and his cousin Francesco.” + </p> + <p> + Renato, indeed, tried to escape, knowing that he was implicated, although + not engaged in the plot, but the garrison of Radicofani discovered him and + his hiding-place, and he was despatched under guard to Florence. Giovanni + de’ Pazzi, Francesco’s brother, who had married Beatrice Buonromeo, hid, + for a time, in the monastery of Degli Angeli, and then, with his wife, was + banished to the castle of Volterra, where he died in 1481. It does not + appear that he took any active part in the plot, although his wronging by + Lorenzo was the spark which fired the whole conspiracy. + </p> + <p> + Guglielmo de’ Pazzi, the husband of Bianca de’ Medici, Lorenzo and + Giuliano’s sister, was protected by <i>Il Magnifico</i>, and allowed to + reside in a villa twelve miles outside Florence. + </p> + <p> + Napoleone de’ Franzesi, alone of all the conspirators, effected his + escape, but Piero de’ Vespucci, father-in-law to “<i>La bella Simonetta</i>”—“<i>Il + bel Giulio’s</i>” <i>innamorata</i>,—who assisted him, was sentenced + to two years’ imprisonment in the Stinche, with a heavy fine. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni Battista da Montesicco’s fate was, perhaps, the only one which + excited commiseration, even from the point of view of the Medici. A + soldier of fortune, his weapon was at your command, did you but fill his + pouch with ducats of Rome or florins of Florence. To him it mattered not + whether the adventure partook of romance and espionage, or of intrigue and + murder. Unlike many of his profession, he was a religious man, and just. + He drew back from his bargain as soon as he had experience of Lorenzo’s + character, and he refused point-blank to slay him in a spot “where Christ + could see him,” as he said. It does not appear that he was inside the + Cathedral that dread April morning, but remained on watch to see what + transpired. On the defeat of the conspiracy he fled, with many more, right + out of Tuscany. Agents of the Medici, however, pursued him and, having + captured him, dragged him back to Florence. Before the Lords of the <i>Signoria</i> + he made confession of what he knew of the conspiracy and of his own part + therein. On 4th May, just seven days after the tragedy, he paid the + penalty of his misplaced devotion, and he was hanged within the Palace of + the Podesta. + </p> + <p> + Two arch-conspirators are still to be accounted for, Pope Sixtus IV. and + Count Girolamo de’ Riari! The former never expressed the least regret or + concern at the tragic occurrences in Florence, but openly deplored the + failure of his scheme to replace Lorenzo by Girolamo. Furthermore, he + issued a “Bull,” which began: “Iniquitatis filius et perditionis alumnus,” + and ended by anathema of Lorenzo, whereby he was excommunicated, and all + Florence placed under an Interdict! + </p> + <p> + Moreover, he laid violent hands upon Donato Acciaiuolo, the Florentine + ambassador, and, but for the prompt intervention of the envoys of Venice + and Milan, would have cast him, uncharged, into the dungeons of the castle + of Sant Angelo. The majority of the Florentine merchants in Rome were + arrested, their property confiscated, and, to add insult to injury, Sixtus + demanded from the <i>Signoria</i> the immediate banishment of Lorenzo. He + expressed his keen sorrow for the deaths of the Pazzi and Salviati, his + “devoted sons and trusty counsellors.” He spoke of the execution of the + Archbishop as “a foul murder caused by the tyranny of the Medici,” and he + put a price upon the head of Cesare de’ Petrucci, the <i>Gonfaloniere di + Giustizia</i>! + </p> + <p> + As for Count Girolamo, who had, coward-like, kept in the background—he + was probably little more than a complacent tool in the hands of the + pontiff—he was permitted to leave Florence in the train of the young + Cardinal, immediately before the reception of the Interdict. He returned + to Rome and abandoned himself to a life of profligacy; his palace became a + brothel and a gambling hell, and there he lived for ten years, dishonoured + and diseased. His retributive death was by the hand of an assassin in + 1488. + </p> + <p> + The failure of the plot, whilst it added tremendously to the popularity of + the Medici and strengthened still more Lorenzo’s position, threw the Pope + frantically into the arms of the King of Naples. He persuaded him to join + in a combined and powerful invasion of Tuscany. At Ironto the Neapolitan + troops crossed the frontier and encamped, whilst the Papal forces moved on + from Perugia and Siena. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo at once called a Parliament to consider the position, and to take + steps for the protection of the city and the defence of the State. He + addressed the assembly as follows: “I know not, Most Excellent Lords and + Most Worshipful Citizens, whether to mourn or to rejoice with you over + what has happened. When I think of the treachery and hatred wherewith I + have been attacked, and my brother slain, I cannot but grieve; but when I + reflect with what eagerness and zeal, with what love and unanimity, on the + part of the whole city, my brother has been avenged and myself defended, I + am moved not merely to rejoice, but even to glory in what has transpired. + For, if I have found that I have more enemies in Florence than I had + thought I had, I have at the same time discovered that I have warmer and + more devoted friends than I knew.... It lies with you, my Most Excellent + Lords, to support me still, or to throw me over.... You are my fathers and + protectors, and what you wish me to do, I shall do only too willingly....” + </p> + <p> + All the hearers were deeply affected by Lorenzo’s oration, some indeed + shed tears, but all vowed to support him in resisting the enemy at the + gate. “Take courage,” they cried, “it behoves thee, Lorenzo, to live and + die for the Republic!” + </p> + <p> + At the same time they enrolled a bodyguard of twelve soldiers, whose duty + it should be to accompany Lorenzo whenever he went abroad, and to protect + him in his palace or at his villas. Doubtless they thought the Pope might + resort to further secret measures for the slaughter of his enemy. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the terrible “Conspiracy of the Pazzi.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — <i>The First Tyrannicide</i> — Ippolito, “<i>Il + Cardinale</i>” — Alessandro, “<i>Il Negro</i>” — Lorenzino, “<i>Il + Terribile</i>”. + </h2> + <p> + “Go at once, ye base-born bastards, or I will be the first to thrust you + out—Begone!” + </p> + <p> + These were the passionate words of the proudest and most ambitious + princess that ever bore the great name of Medici—Clarice, daughter + of Piero di Lorenzo—“Il Magnifico,” and wife of Filippo di Filippo + degli Strozzi—“Il Primo Gentiluomo del Secolo.” + </p> + <p> + They were spoken on 16th May 1527, in the Long Gallery of the Palazzo + Medici in Florence, and were addressed to two youths—sixteen and + thirteen years old respectively, who shrank with terror at the aspect and + the vehemence of their contemner. Clarice was a virago, both in the + Florentine sense of man’s equal in ability and action, and in the sense of + the present day—a woman with a mighty will and endowed with physical + strength to enforce it. + </p> + <p> + The two “bastards” were Ippolito, the natural son of Giuliano de’ Medici, + Duke of Nemours, and Alessandro, the so-called illegitimate son of Lorenzo + de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino, the virtual ruler of Florence. The lads were + not alone in their exposure to the wrath of Madonna Clarice, for, sitting + in his chair of estate, was Silvio Passerini, Cardinal of Cortona, their + Governor, and Pope Clement VII.‘s Regent of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + “Begone”! Well had it been if the Cardinal had taken his charges right + away from Florence never to return. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + “The splendour, not of Tuscany only, but of the whole of Italy has + disappeared!” wrote Benedetto Dei, in his <i>Cronica</i>. “The Burial + Confraternity of the Magi laid his body in the sacristy of San Lorenzo, + and the next day the funeral obsequies were held without pomp—as is + the custom of the <i>Signori</i>—but quite simply. Truly it may be + said that however gorgeous the ceremonies might have been, they would have + proved altogether too mean for so great a man.” + </p> + <p> + This relates to the death of Lorenzo il Magnifico, which occurred on 8th + April 1492. That year is one of the most memorable in modern history: + Columbus discovered America; Roderigo Borgia was elected Pope; Charles + VIII. became the most prominent political figure in Europe; and the power + of Florence had reached its zenith. + </p> + <p> + She was not only the Head of the Tuscan League and the chief Republic in + Europe, but also the first of modern states. If the spirit of the Greeks + inspired the physical prowess of the Romans, the enlightenment of the + Florentines brought forth the renascence of the arts and crafts of Italy + and of the world. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre della Patria</i>,” laid the foundation-stone of + Medici renown in the iron grip of his powerful personality, and Piero, his + son, maintained unimpaired its eminence by his urbanity and good sense. To + Lorenzo, however, was reserved the distinction of placing upon that mighty + column its magnificent copestone, and he adorned it with the sevenfold + balls of his escutcheon, whilst on the summit he held unfurled the great + Red Cross Oriflamme of Florence. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzo left three sons and three daughters to uphold that ensign and to + exhibit the glory of their house. To the first-born, Piero, came the great + inheritance of his father’s place and power, and no man ever entered into + a greater possession,—a possession, so firm, so unquestioned and so + portentous, that nothing seemed likely to disturb its equilibrium or to + sully its triumph. + </p> + <p> + But, “the son of his father is not always his father’s son,” and this + quaint saying is perfectly true of Piero de’ Medici—a youth of + twenty-one years of age—the exact age of his father on his + succession to the Headship of the State. Physically the young prince was + well favoured, he was cultured and, like his unfortunate uncle Giuliano, + he was an adept in all gentlemanly exercises. + </p> + <p> + Alas, he took not the slightest interest in politics, nor in the business + affairs of his house, and the proverbial urbanity and pushfulness of the + Medici were alike absent. Whilst he lightly handed over to Piero Dorizzi + di Bibbiena, his Chancellor, the conduct of public affairs, he listened to + the proud persuasions of his mother, to whom anything like commercial + pursuits were abhorrent. Clarice d’Orsini’s forbears had all been + soldiers, Lorenzo’s merchants, that made all the difference in Rome’s + degenerate days. + </p> + <p> + Of course there was no Florentine girl good enough to be the bride of + young Piero de’ Medici—at least, Domina Clarice, his mother, decided + so. She was the proudest of the proud, and as ignorant and prejudiced as + she was haughty. Her son could only wed a Roman princess, and, by + preference, a daughter of the Orsini; consequently Alfonsina, daughter of + Roberto d’Orsini, Clarice’s cousin, entered Florence in state on 22nd May + 1488, for her magnificent nuptials with the young <i>Capo della Repubblica</i>. + </p> + <p> + The same year the Domina died. Her influence had not been for good, and + her want of tact and her unpopularity caused Lorenzo much anxiety. + Perhaps, however, a prince of his conspicuous and, in many ways, unique + ability, was better mated with an unsympathetic spouse than with a woman + who could, from parity of gifts, enter into his feelings and aspirations. + He lived for the magnanimous renown of Florence—she for the selfish + prominence of her family. + </p> + <p> + Francesco de’ Guicciardini wrote of Piero de’ Medici thus: “He was born of + a foreign mother, whereby Florentine blood got mixed, and he acquired + foreign manners and bearing, too haughty for our habits of life.” The + prince gave up most of his time to pleasure and amusement with the young + nobles of his court, and encouraged the aims and ambitions of the + self-seeking scions of his mother’s family. At a single bound the immense + personal popularity of Lorenzo, his father, disappeared. Florentines took + the young ruler’s measure, and he was found wanting. + </p> + <p> + The imprisonment and threatened execution of his cousins, Lorenzo and + Giuliano de’ Medici, was a flagrant mistake. The three had quarrelled + about Lorenzo il Magnifico’s pretty daughter, Luigia, but it was a + baseless rumour that she had been poisoned. Bad blood was made always in + Florence by such romances and such interference. + </p> + <p> + In September 1494, Charles VIII. crossed the Alps, and, whilst Savonarola + fanatically hailed his coming to Florence as “God’s Captain of + Chastisement,” politicians of all parties looked to Piero to show a bold + front and resist the French invader as commander-in-chief of a united + Italian army. + </p> + <p> + Piero made no sign, but went on playing <i>pallone</i> in the Piazza Santa + Croce. The enemy seized the Florentine fortresses of Sargana, Sarzanello + and Pietra Santa. The news sobered the headstrong, self-indulgent prince + for the moment, and then craven fear seized his undisciplined mind. In a + panic he mounted his horse and, attended only by two officers of the city + guard, he galloped off to King Charles’ camp. + </p> + <p> + In the royal tent Piero fell upon his knees, craved forgiveness for + Florence’s opposition, and pleaded for generous terms for himself and his + fellow-countrymen. Charles demanded the cession absolutely of the three + fortresses, with the cities of Pisa and Livorno, and with them the “loan” + of 200,000 gold florins! Piero’s report was listened to in solemn silence + by the <i>Signoria</i>, but when its tenor was conveyed to the concourse + of citizens, outside the Palazzo Vecchio, cries of “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Liberta!</i>” + rent the air. + </p> + <p> + When Piero rode out of the Piazza, accompanied by an armed escort, he was + met by an exasperated mob who assailed him with missiles and stones. The + big bell, up in the Campanile, began to speak its ominous summons, and, in + reply to faint cries of “<i>Palle!</i>” “<i>Palle!</i>” renewed shouts of + “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Liberta!</i>” proclaimed the abdication of the + Medici. + </p> + <p> + A Parliament was convened and five ambassadors were appointed to treat + with Charles and revoke Piero’s surrender. One of them, speaking for the + rest, denounced him as “No longer fit to rule the State”—it was + Piero de’ Capponi. The <i>Signoria</i> passed a sentence of expulsion upon + Piero and his brothers, and placed a reward of two thousand gold florins + upon his head, and five thousand more, if he and Giovanni, his Cardinal + brother, were captured together. + </p> + <p> + Needless to say, before the decree was promulgated Piero and Giovanni flew + precipitately through the Porta San Gallo, upon their way to Bologna, at + the head of a few mercenaries, and with them went Piero’s chancellor. + </p> + <p> + An enraged mob of citizens rushed pell-mell into the Via Larga, sacked the + Palazzo Medici, and scattered the treasures which Piero and Lorenzo had + gathered together. The streets were strewn with costly furniture, carpets + and tapestry, and priceless works of art were either burnt or broken in + pieces. It was not a question of looting but of destruction, and for + eighteen years the building was a mark for obscenities and imprecations. + </p> + <p> + The French army marched through the humiliated city, and terror filled the + hearts of the people. Charles occupied a portion of the palace, which the + <i>Signoria</i> hastily put into some sort of order, borrowing or buying + furniture and other articles for his use. + </p> + <p> + On their knees, an entirely new experience for the proud Florentines, the + <i>Signoria</i> besought the Emperor’s clemency. He took a high hand with + them, demanding a huge indemnity and threatening to command his trumpets + to sound for pillage. One man alone asserted his liberty, a man who + throughout Piero’s short government had voiced the public discontent—Piero + de’ Capponi—the most capable soldier Florence possessed. Boldly and + alone he faced the Conqueror and denounced his demands. He tore in pieces + the fatal document of Piero’s capitulation, flung the pieces in Charles’ + face, and defied him, saying, “If you sound your trumpets we shall ring + our bells!” + </p> + <p> + Charles was cowed, he signed a treaty of peace with honourable terms for + Florence, and left the city, after a stormy scene with Savonarola. “Take + heed,” the latter said, “not to bring ruin on this city and upon thyself + the curse of God!” + </p> + <p> + Piero outlived his cowardly surrender and shameful flight three years—an + outcast from his country and a disgrace to his family. He found an asylum + in the house of his wife Alfonsina’s father, Roberto d’Orsini, Count of + Tagliacozzo and Alba. In 1502 he entered the service of the King of + France, the enemy of his country, against the Spanish conquerors of the + kingdom of Naples. The French were worsted and took to their ships at + Gaeta. Piero escaped, but his death followed shortly, for the boat in + which he was crossing the River Garigliano, or Liri, near the famous + stronghold of that name, was swamped by the fire of the Spanish artillery + and he was drowned. Cambi, who relates the history, sententiously winds up + his narrative with the apposite words, “Thanks be to God!” + </p> + <p> + After Savonarola’s death in 1498, Piero de’ Soderini was placed at the + head of the Government as <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i>, whilst Piero’s + brother, Cardinal Giovanni, took up the leadership of his discredited + party. The terrible sack of Prato in 1512 was an opportunity for the + Medici, which they did not neglect to use to their advantage. In terror + the Florentine Government paid 140,000 gold florins to the Spanish Viceroy + and commander, who made it a condition of his evacuation of Tuscany, that + the Medici should be recalled as private citizens, and be granted + permission to purchase back their forfeited property. On 12th September of + the same year, Giuliano, the third son of Lorenzo il Magnifico, with his + young nephew, Lorenzo, Piero’s son, entered Florence, attended by a small + following. He was one of the noblest of his race, but he was wholly + lacking in initiative and energy. He made no claim to political eminence, + and his self-abnegation led to the return to Florence of his more pushful + brother, the Cardinal, who was accompanied by Giulio de’ Medici, the + bastard son of the murdered Giuliano. They installed themselves in the + restored palace, assumed much of the wonted state of their family in + bygone days, and were accorded public recognition and honour. + </p> + <p> + The following year Cardinal Giovanni was elected Pope as Leo X., and, at + the same time, Giuliano was created Duke of Nemours—a dignity + bestowed by Francis I. of France—and Lorenzo became Duke of Urbino. + The conferring of these titles stirred the rancour of a considerable + number of ambitious <i>Signori</i>, and intrigue and plots to upset the + rising fortunes of the Medici were rife. The very next day after the death + of Pope Julius II., Bernardo de’ Capponi and Pietro Papolo de’ Boscoli + were condemned to be hung within the Palace of the Podesta, for an attempt + upon the lives of Giuliano, Lorenzo, and Giulio de’ Medici. Eighteen + accomplices were tortured and many others banished: Niccolo Macchiavelli + was implicated in the conspiracy, but he appears to have escaped + punishment. + </p> + <p> + Quietly but persistently the power of the great family was recovered. “The + Pope and his Medici” became a proverb throughout Italy: all men noted + their rising fortunes and their bids for power. Giulio was preconised + Cardinal, Giuliano appointed <i>Gonfaloniere</i> of the Papal army, and + Lorenzo became the virtual Head of the Florentine Republic. Giuliano died + in 1516, Lorenzo in 1519, and Pope Leo X. in 1521. The first left no + legitimate offspring, and the second only one daughter, Caterina, besides + a natural son, Alessandro. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Upon the death of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino, Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici + hastened to Florence, where he was permitted to assume almost autocratic + control of State affairs. Possibly he was regarded in the light of Regent + for Lorenzo’s only legitimate child, Caterina. He had undoubtedly personal + fitness for the post of Chief of the Republic. During the brief period, + barely five months, of his administration, he did very much to place + public interests upon a firm and practical basis. + </p> + <p> + Very adroitly he played off the “<i>Ottimati</i>,” under Pietro de’ + Ridolfi, against the “<i>Frateschi</i>,” led by Giacopo de’ Salviati, + without identifying himself with either party. Recalled to Rome on the + death of Leo X., he left Cardinal Silvio Passerini of Cortona his deputy: + a man useful as a tool but of no ability or judgment. Adrian VI., who + succeeded to the Papacy, was a weak pontiff, and Rome became a hot-bed of + intrigue and villainy. + </p> + <p> + A plot to assassinate Cardinal de’ Medici failed, and, in 1523, he was, + after many weeks of wrangling, elected Pope, with the title of Clement + VII. In the Vatican, that “refuge for bastards and foundlings,” room was + found for two boys, cousins, each the offspring of a Medici father, but + illegitimate. They were brought up under the immediate eye of the Pope, + indeed one of them, the younger, was said to be the son of Clement. + </p> + <p> + Ippolito, just fourteen years old, was the bastard son of Giuliano de’ + Medici, Duke of Nemours. His mother was a noble lady of Urbino, Pacifica + Brandini, but she permitted her child to be exposed in the streets, in a + basket, where he was rescued, and taken into the foundling ward of the + Confraternity of Santa Maria di Piano d’Urbino. There the kindly Religious + gave him the name of “Pasqualino,” indicative of the Church season of + Easter, when he entered surreptitiously upon the world’s stage. + </p> + <p> + When the child was less than two years old the nuns of Santa Maria were + removed to Rome, and they took with them, along with other unfortunates, + little Pasqualino. Upon a visit, which Pope Leo paid to the convent, he + noticed the young boy, and as he smiled and tried to get at his Holiness, + Leo was struck with his good looks and made enquiries about his origin. In + the end, Leo undertook the little fellow’s education and maintained his + interest in him, and, moreover, ordered his name to be changed to + Ippolito. + </p> + <p> + Alessandro—the younger boy—twelve years old, was the son of + Lorenzo de’ Medici, created Duke of Urbino in 1536, when the Pope annexed + that principality to the pontifical estates, upon the excommunication of + the rightful sovereign. His mother was a woman of colour, a Tartar + slave-girl, who passed for the wife of a <i>vetterale</i> or courier, in + the pay of the Duke. He was a native of Colle Vecchio, near Riete, in + Umbria, and went by the name of Bizio da Collo, whilst the girl was simply + called Anna. Alessandro, later on, was made to feel the baseness of his + origin, for he was greeted contemptuously as “Alessandro da Colle + Vecchio!” His supposed father, Bizio, died in 1519, but Cardinal Giulio + de’ Medici adopted him. + </p> + <p> + The two boys grew up together at the Vatican, alike in one respect only, + their mutual hatred of each other. They were, indeed, as unlike as two + boys could be. Ippolito, as the child of gentle parents, had an + aristocratic bearing. He was a clever lad and excelled especially in + classical learning, in music and poetry. In appearance he became + remarkably handsome, with polished manners and a fondness for spending + money and for ostentation. + </p> + <p> + Alessandro, on the other hand, exhibited the attributes of his low-born + mother. Physically well-made, he was dark of skin, with dark, curly hair, + thick lips, and close-set Eastern eyes. His tastes were unrefined. He had + none of Ippolito’s gentleness and attractiveness, but in disposition he + was morose, passionate, and cruel. His manners were marked by abruptness + and vulgarity. He was no genius, and refused to receive the lessons of his + masters, and set at defiance all who claimed authority. Alessandro was a + shrewd lad all the same, and became Clement’s inseparable companion—no + doubt he was his son! + </p> + <p> + Everybody noticed the mutual affection between “uncle” and “nephew,” which + gave clear indication of a nearer relationship. Clement’s word was + Alessandro’s law, and, when the cousins fell out, as they did many times a + day, the interference of their uncle brought peace, but for Ippolito + dissatisfaction, as he was usually ruled to be in the wrong. This boyish + rivalry led to more considerable emulation and the proprieties of the + Papal palace were rudely shaken by the quarrels and the struggles of the + cousins. + </p> + <p> + They were parted and removed each to a remote portion of the palace, with + separate suites of attendants, and their only meetings took place in the + private apartments of the Pope, and rarely. Thus Ippolito and Alessandro + entered upon their teens with no judicious, kindly, or formative + influences around them. It was said that each boy threw in the other’s + face the fact of his illegitimacy, which fawning dependants had revealed + to them. Their environment and associates were most undesirable, and + nothing was done to instil and encourage sentiments of honour, + self-control, truthfulness, and charity. Their initiation into the + hypocrisies of spiritual life and ecclesiastical duty produced distaste + and contempt for religious exercises. + </p> + <p> + There was yet another protégée of Clement’s left upon the world of + mutability and chance—an orphan child, the only issue of Lorenzo, + Duke of Urbino and his wife Maddalena, daughter of Jean de la Tour + d’Auvergne et de Bourbon. Married in 1518, the delicate young mother died + in childbirth the following year, leaving her sweet little baby girl, + Caterina, to the care of her broken-hearted husband. + </p> + <p> + The future Queen of France was placed with the foundling nuns of the + convent of Santa Lucia in the Via San Gallo. Thence she was removed to the + convent of Santa Caterina di Siena, back to the nuns of Santa Lucia once + more, and then handed over to the charge of the noble convent of S. + Annunziata delle Murate until 1525, when her aunt, Madonna Clarice de’ + Medici, wife of Messer Filippo negli Strozzi, was constituted her guardian + and instructress. + </p> + <p> + Right well the new <i>governante</i> carried out the instructions of + Clement, and she only relinquished her charge when the Pope commanded the + young girl, just eleven years old, to Rome. Apartments were provided for + her and her suite in the Palazzo Medici, where Madonna Lucrezia, Lorenzo + il Magnifico’s daughter, and wife of Giacomo de’ Salviati, was appointed + her protectress. + </p> + <p> + Without a mother’s care, and tossed about here and there, Caterina grew up + devoid of high principles, and became the toy of every passing pleasure + and indulgence. All the eligible princes of Europe were, in turn, supposed + to be her admirers, and rivals for her hand and fortune. And truly the + last legitimate descendant, as she was, of the great Cosimo, was a prize + in the matrimonial market—if not for her beauty and her virtues, at + all events for her wealth and rank. Indeed, there was a project, seriously + entertained, seeing that the elder line of the Medici had failed to + produce a male heir, of acknowledging Caterina as “<i>Domina di Firenze</i>,” + with a strong council of Regency to carry on the government in her name. + </p> + <p> + This proposal did not gain any favour outside the Papal cabinet: in + Florence it was scouted with derision. Two violent politicians, if not + more, lost their heads over the young girl’s destiny—Battista Cei, + for proposing that she should be placed in the lions’ den, and Bernardo + Castiglione, for demanding that she should be put upon the streets of + Florence, wearing the yellow badge of woman’s shame! + </p> + <p> + In Rome Caterina conceived at once an invincible repugnance for Alessandro—her + father’s son. His appearance, his manner, his language appalled her; + probably she was not long before she knew the story of his birth. On no + account would she speak to him, and, if he entered an apartment where she + happened to be, she rushed out, crying, “<i>Negrello—Bastardo!</i>” + </p> + <p> + With Ippolito, on the contrary, she was the best of friends. She admired + the good-looking boy, his talents for music, and his skill in gentlemanly + exercises. The Venetian ambassador at the Vatican remarked, in a letter to + his Government: “We have here a little Medici princess, Caterina, the only + child of the late Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino. She and Don Ippolito, the + bastard son of Duke Giuliano, are inseparable companions. The boy is very + fond of his young cousin, whilst she is devoted to him. She has confidence + in nobody else, and she asks him only for everything she wants.” + Ultimately, of course, Caterina de’ Medici became Queen of France, as the + consort of Henry II. + </p> + <p> + The trend of affairs in Florence gave Pope Clement grave anxiety, for, of + course, his own personal control became less and less effective upon his + elevation to the Papacy. Accredited representatives of the family were + required to be in residence there for the maintenance of Medici supremacy. + Alas, legitimate male heirs of the senior branch from Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre + della Patria</i>,” were non-existent, and Giovanni delle Bande Nere and + his family would not, had he been chosen as <i>Capo della Repubblica</i>, + consent to be dependent upon Rome. + </p> + <p> + Clement took counsel with the Florentine ambassadors, who had been sent to + congratulate him upon his elevation. Very adroitly he placed by his chair + of state the two youths, who passed for Medici, and who were “as dear to + him as sons”—Ippolito and Alessandro. In compliment to the Pope, and + certainly not from conviction, the fourteen envoys agreed in asking him to + send the two boys to Florence, under the charge of a worthy administrator, + who should hold the reins of government in Clement’s name. + </p> + <p> + Delighted with the success of his stratagem, Clement chose the Cardinal of + Cortona, one of his most obedient and faithful creatures, to accompany + Ippolito, nearly sixteen years old, to Florence as quasi-Regent for the + lad. With them went, as Ippolito’s chamberlains, four Florentine youths of + good birth who were favourites of the Pope, Alessandro de’ Pucci, Pietro + de’ Ridolfi, Luigi della Stufa, and Palla de’ Rucellai. The cortege was + received in Florence without demonstrations of any kind; but certainly + Ippolito made a very favourable impression by his good looks and gaiety. + The Cardinal and his companions drew rein first at the Church of the SS. + Annunziata, where they heard Mass, and they then rode on to the renovated + Palazzo Medici. A meeting of the <i>Signoria</i> was convened, and by a + narrow majority Ippolito was declared eligible for the offices of State. + </p> + <p> + The appointment of Passerini was unfortunate. “He was,” writes Benedetto + Varchi, “like most prelates, extremely avaricious; he had neither the + intellect to understand the Florentine character nor the judgment to + manage it, had he understood it.” Ippolito assumed at once the style of + “Il Magnifico,” and began to display a lust for power and a taste for + extravagance quite unusual in so young a lad. The Cardinal yielded to + every whim, and very soon a goodly number of courtiers rallied round the + handsome youth. + </p> + <p> + Having launched one of his protégés successfully upon the troubled sea of + Florentine politics, Clement despatched Alessandro, under the care of + Rosso de’ Ridolfi, one of his most trustworthy attendants, with little + Caterina de’ Medici. They were instructed to report themselves to Cardinal + Passerini, and then without delay to proceed to the Villa Poggio a Caiano. + </p> + <p> + This was a very wise arrangement on the part of Clement, in view of the + strenuous rivalry and emphatic dislike the two lads had for each other. + The two were kept apart as they had been at the Vatican, but this led + naturally to the creation of rival parties and rival courts, each of which + acclaimed their respective young leaders as <i>Il Capo della Repubblica</i> + and “<i>Il Signore di Firenze</i>.” Better far as matters turned out, had + it been deemed sufficient to advance Ippolito alone. His splendid talents—although + linked to fickleness and inconsistency—and his liberality, appealed + to the Florentines, and he might have proved a second Lorenzo il + Magnifico. + </p> + <p> + The sack of Rome in 1527 and the imprisonment of Clement VII. in the + fortress of Sant Angelo, raised the spirits of the Republicans of + Florence. Niccolo de’ Soderini, Francesco de’ Guicciardini and Pietro de’ + Salviati took up a strong position as leaders of a popular party, and once + more the cry of “<i>Liberta!</i>” “<i>Liberta!</i>” was raised. Cardinal + Passerini was advised to leave Florence and to take the two lads with him. + </p> + <p> + Among those who escaped from Rome were Filippo negli Strozzi and his wife + Clarice. They posted off to Florence, and whilst Filippo temporised with + the Cardinal and with the party of reform on either hand, Clarice declared + openly for the opponents of her own family. + </p> + <p> + She attended a specially convened meeting of the anti-Medicean party, and + placed her services at their disposal. It was arranged that she should + visit the Cardinal the following day. Dressed superbly, wearing the family + jewels, and conveyed in a State sedan-chair, she proceeded to the Palazzo + Medici—the house of her fathers. Ippolito and Alessandro, with their + tutors and attendants, met her upon the grand staircase, and conducted her + to the presence of the Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Standing in the Long Gallery, she poured forth a torrent of scornful words + upon the base-born scions of her family. “My Lord,” she cried, “my Lord, + to what a pass has my family sunk. Do you think that any of my great + ancestors would have borne you so long. Alas! that my race has none but + female legitimate offspring.” Then turning to the astonished lads she + continued: “You had better both look out for yourselves and go away before + the Cardinal here destroys you and Florence!” + </p> + <p> + Some of the suite tried to interfere and to pacify the enraged woman, but + to no avail, she went on vehemently to denounce the intrusion of the two + bastards. + </p> + <p> + “Begone, you who are not of the blood of the Medici, both of you, from a + house and from a city to which neither of you, nor your patron, Clement—wrongfully + Pope and now justly a prisoner in Sant Angelo—have any legitimate + claim, by reason of birth or of merit. Go at once, ye base-born bastards, + or I will be the first to thrust you out!” + </p> + <p> + Her hearers quailed under her invective, and Passerini humbly promised to + quit the palace, but when Clarice had gone, he sent for Filippo negli + Strozzi and expostulated with him. Filippo’s apology was as quaint as it + was effective. “Had she not been,” said he, “a woman and a Medici, he + would have administered to her such a public chastisement as would have + gone bad with her!” He, nevertheless, strongly advised the Cardinal to + depart, and he conveyed the intelligence that the lives of the two lads + were by no means secure, and that should anything happen to them, the Pope + would demand them at his hands. + </p> + <p> + On 29th May 1527, Cardinal Passerini, with Ippolito and Alessandro and + their suite, accompanied by Filippo, rode out to Poggio a Caiano, amid the + execrations of the populace. Thence they departed for Rome, where the + young men lived more or less quietly for two years in Clement’s private + apartments at the Vatican. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In spite of Ippolito’s superiority of appearance, manners and attainments, + the Pope made no concealment of his preference for Alessandro. He created + him Duke of Citta di Penna—a fief within the Papal States—and + decided that the riches and greatness of the House of Medici should be + continued in Alessandro and not in Ippolito. + </p> + <p> + “Ippolito,” wrote Varillas, “was seized with incredible grief and + indignation, and it seemed to him, that being older, a nearer relation to + the Pope, and better endowed by nature, so rich an inheritance should + rather be his ... either not knowing or not believing the rumours that + Alessandro was Clement’s son.” + </p> + <p> + Goaded by what he conceived to be a legitimate ambition, Ippolito posted + off to Florence with the idea of seizing the executive power. Clement + despatched Baccio Valori after him, with entreaties and promises, and + finding that he had no welcome among the Florentines, Ippolito returned + quietly to Rome. + </p> + <p> + The Pope immediately, and without consulting him, preconised him Cardinal—greatly + to his disgust. He had no wish for ecclesiastical preferment, he was a + soldier at heart, and meant to be ruler of Florence. Clement noted the + young man’s partialities—he was only just twenty years of age, and + he encouraged him in his extravagant tastes by liberally endowing his + Cardinalate. A Brief “<i>In commendam</i>” was bestowed upon him, whereby + the revenue of all vacant benefices and Papal dignities, for six months, + were transferred to his account. Moreover, in 1529, he was appointed + Archbishop of Avignon, Legate of Perugia, and Administrator of the See of + Casale. These fat endowments very considerably affected Ippolito’s + position. In Rome he had a Court of three hundred notable personages of + all nations; his most intimate friends were soldiers and statesmen of + renown, and writers and artists of the highest abilities and fame. + </p> + <p> + Clement having placated Ippolito, set to work to carry out his plans for + Alessandro. He wrote on his behalf to the Emperor Charles V. to invite him + on his way from Flanders, whither he had travelled to avoid disputes with + Ippolito, to visit the Imperial Court. Charles received Alessandro with + great honour, and expressed his pleasure at greeting the near relative of + the Pope. + </p> + <p> + A treaty was subsequently signed at Barcelona between Charles and Clement, + whereby it was agreed that Alessandro should espouse Margaret, Charles’ + illegitimate daughter, and that Clement should create Florence a Dukedom + in favour of Alessandro. At the same time the Emperor was asked to + intercede between the rival cousins but he naively replied, “Neither wants + liberty but aggrandisement! Let them be.” + </p> + <p> + Alessandro entered Florence on 5th July 1531 accompanied by Giovanni + Antonio Muscettola, envoy and chancellor of the Emperor. He proceeded to + the Palazzo Vecchio, there he read aloud the injunction of Clement, + countersigned by Charles, which established him as Duke of Florence. The + office of <i>Gonfaloniere di Giustizia</i> was abolished, and the <i>Signoria</i> + restricted in their powers as merely consultative authorities. At the same + time the Republic was superseded and the citizens allowed to exercise the + franchise only in the election of civil magistrates. + </p> + <p> + The <i>coup d'état</i> was complete and meekly enough the <i>Signoria</i> + declared that—“Considering the excellent qualities, life and habits + of the most illustrious Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, son of the late + Magnificent Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino; and in recognition of the many and + great benefits received, both spiritual and temporal, from the House of + Medici, he was eligible for all the offices of State.” + </p> + <p> + Alessandro at once began to follow the bent of his base inclinations. As + supreme Head of the State he ruled autocratically, and set justice and + decency at defiance. The Florentines abashed by the pass in which they + found themselves, seemed powerless to oppose the Duke’s aggression upon + their liberties. That had come to pass against which they had striven for + hundreds of years—Florence was subject to <i>Il governo d’un solo</i>. + </p> + <p> + Significantly enough, Alessandro took as his motto “<i>Un solo Signore, + una sola Legge</i>,” and this he stuck up all over Tuscany. He applied it + quite autocratically by disarming the citizens, building fortresses, + banishing the disaffected nobles, and confiscating all properties he + coveted. These were but the beginnings of troubles. + </p> + <p> + Taxes were doubled, every office at court was held by a creature and toady + of the Duke, bribery and corruption of all kinds ruled the State, and + there appeared to be no limit to his lust and rapacity, and no barrier + against the chicanery of his adherents. + </p> + <p> + Added to all this was the dislocation of public order. Florence became a + hot-bed of immorality and a sink of iniquity. Women were openly ravished + in the streets, the inmates of convents were not spared, men were wronged + and removed suspiciously, the eyes and ears of the children were assailed + by unblushing depravity. The <i>oubliettes</i> of the Bigallo had their + fill of victims. + </p> + <p> + “Tyrant of Florence” was the designation which best fitted the new ruler. + He destroyed the fabric of society and polluted the sanctity of family + life. Dismay and revenge alternated in the feelings of the people. Those + who dared, began to flock to Ippolito, who, with grim satisfaction, + received at his palace in Rome all disaffected refugees. Meetings were + held at Filippo negli Strozzi’s house, and a movement was set on foot for + the overthrow of Alessandro and his dissolute government. A deputation was + sent to the Emperor Charles to complain of the tyranny of the Duke and to + expose his immoral life. This sealed Ippolito’s fate, for Alessandro at + once took steps, not only to checkmate the action of the deputation, but + to circumvent the destruction of his rival. + </p> + <p> + Clement had of course full knowledge of the condition of affairs in + Florence, and of the increase of hostility between the cousins, but both + he and Paul III., who succeeded him as Pope in 1534, kept Ippolito engaged + in military and diplomatic duties away from Italy. Knowing his + predilection for soldiering, he was despatched, at the head of eight + thousand horsemen, to the assistance of the Emperor against the Turks who + had invaded Hungary under the Sultan Soliman. His valour and ability were + remarkable; and the dash with which he marched, later on, to the defence + of Rome, marked him as a commander of rare distinction. + </p> + <p> + Returning once more to Rome, he abandoned himself to a career of + debauchery and extravagance. Catillo, his castle-villa at Tivoli, became + the resort of immoral and disreputable persons. The Pope sought to redress + the disorder: he owed much to Ippolito at the time of his election to the + Papacy, which was in a great measure achieved by his keen advocacy, so he + sent him on embassies to the Emperor at Barcelona, and to the King of + Naples, under promise of rich revenues. + </p> + <p> + At the castle of Fondi, near the little town of Itri in the Neapolitan + province of Terra di Lavoro, eight miles from the fortress of Gaeta, and + overlooking the high road from Rome to Naples, was living, in strict + retirement, a girl greatly beloved by the Cardinal. Giulia Gonzaga, such + was her name, was the attractive and clever daughter of Messer Vespasiano + Colonna, whose brother, Cavaliere Stefano, had taken a prominent and + honourable part in the defence of Florence during the memorable siege of + 1529-1530. + </p> + <p> + Giulia was certainly only one of the many eligible maidens proposed at + various times as a wife for the young ecclesiastic; but, in her case, the + betrothal was all but effected, and with the approval of Pope Clement, + whose conscience smote him when he saw that his handsome and gay young + nephew was anything but disposed to observe the conventions of his Order. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the lovers were parted, and Giulia was confined in the + conventual fortress, and carefully guarded. Pope Paul, it appears, did not + relax the imprisonment of the unfortunate girl, as he surely ought to have + done, in recognition of the Cardinal’s successful advocacy of his own + advancement. + </p> + <p> + Naturally, poor Giulia pined and pined for her lover with whom, she was of + course forbidden to correspond. At length her health gave way, and she + appealed to her father to obtain just one interview with Ippolito before + she died. Reluctantly permission was given by the Pope, and Ippolito, + after the completion of his diplomatic duties in Naples, sought the + neighbourhood of his <i>innamorata</i>; ostensibly upon the plea that his + health needed the rest and change which the invigorating air of the <i>Foresteria</i>, + a sanatorium at Itri, offered. + </p> + <p> + Among Giulia’s attendants was an old retainer of Alessandro de’ Medici, + still devoted to his service, and mindful of youthful escapades together + at the Vatican. Him Alessandro persuaded, by means of a heavy bribe and + the promise of efficient protection, to undertake the removal of Ippolito. + Whilst dallying with his former mistress, the Cardinal fell ill of + malarial fever, common in the swampy plain of Garigliano, where he had + gone shooting snipe. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni Andrea da Borgo San Sepolcro, the accomplice of his master, + prepared some chicken broth, which he persuaded Ippolito to take. In spite + of its bitter taste he partook largely, but during the night he was + attacked with immoderate sickness. Before morning dawn the brilliant + career of Ippolito, Cardinal de’ Medici, ended, and the harvest sun of + 10th August 1535 rose upon his rigid corpse in Giulia’s chamber! + </p> + <p> + The poisoner fled to Florence, and was lodged safely in the Palazzo + Medici, under the Duke’s special protection. Alessandro received the news + of Ippolito’s death with the utmost satisfaction. “Now,” said he, “the + vile wasp is crushed at last!” The dead body of his victim was buried + hurriedly at Itri, but, by Pope Paul’s direction, it was exhumed and given + honourable burial within the church of San Lorenzo-e-Damaso in Rome. Paul + lamented the tragedy which had removed his friend so cruelly, and he + boldly accused Alessandro of having brought it about. + </p> + <p> + No one died more regretted. All Rome was in deepest mourning, and great + and small thronged to his burial. He had played the part of Lord Bountiful + ungrudgingly and with indiscriminating liberality. Very fittingly it was + remarked that he bore as his motto “<i>Inter omnes</i>.” He had all the + making of a great man, but fickleness, inconsistency, impatience, and + self-indulgence, belittled his reputation. Nevertheless, his character + shone resplendently when contrasted with that of his rival Alessandro. + </p> + <p> + Ippolito de’ Medici left a son by his mistress, Asdrubale, who became a + soldier and a knight of Malta. + </p> + <p> + Neither Pope nor Emperor made any very energetic protests to Alessandro, + but were busy with anxious personal enterprises—and self-interests + usually exclude any other. True, Charles wrote to the Duke and questioned + him about the death of Ippolito, and required that all the facts of the + case should be laid before him, but the matter ended there. Alessandro + made no reply! + </p> + <p> + In six months the sensation had blown over, and the Emperor visited + Florence in gorgeous State on 24th April. He was royally entertained by + Alessandro, but he made no friends among the nobles, and departed without + bestowing the usual honours. The Medici Palace had been redecorated, and + it witnessed a revival of the lavish hospitality of Lorenzo il Magnifico. + </p> + <p> + Margaret of Austria entered the city for her marriage with Alessandro on + 19th July 1536. She came from Naples accompanied by the Vice-Queen and + Cardinals Santi Quattro and Cibo. The nuptial Mass was sung at San + Lorenzo, and then the whole city was given over to feasting and + debauchery. “The young Duchess was serenely happy, for the Duke paid her + great court, and she knew not that he paid as much to other women of all + grades!” Banquets, masked balls, street pageants, <i>Giostre</i>, and + musical comedies crowded one upon another. + </p> + <p> + Among the wedding guests was Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici, who held + the Lordship of Piombino, the lineal descendant and heir of Cosimo, “<i>Il + Padre della Patria’s</i>” brother Lorenzo. His father died when he was an + infant, but his mother, Maria de’ Soderini—a woman possessed of all + the prudence and culture of her family—devoted herself to his + rearing and education. Just twenty-three years old, he was small of + stature and slightly built, dark complexioned, and of a melancholy aspect. + His health was indifferent, and he was liable to uncontrollable fits of + passion: he was restless and dissatisfied, and the associate of low and + evil companions. + </p> + <p> + In Rome—where he had lived in the Medici “happy family” of the Pope—he + acquired the reputation of a coward and a provoker of disturbances. He was + fond of defacing and mutilating ancient monuments, and became liable to + pains and penalties from which Cardinal Ippolito rescued him. By his + depraved and foolish habits he greatly incensed Clement, who at length + dismissed him in disgrace. Lorenzo retired to Florence, where he was + welcomed and entertained by Alessandro. In return for favours Lorenzo, + nicknamed in Florence “<i>Lorenzino</i>,” “Lorenzo the Little,” became + useful to the Duke and appointed himself spy-in-chief of the Florentine + exiles. His studious character and his literary talent endowed him with + another and a worthier sobriquet “<i>Filosofo</i>,” and he carried out the + rôle by dressing as a Greek and living as a sybarite. Devoted to the study + of the classics and encouraged by his sensuous tutor, Giovanni Francesco + Zeffi, when not engaged in vulgar orgies, he translated Plato and other + writers, and even composed a comedy, which he called <i>L’Aridosio</i>. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzino entered fully into the Duke’s life of profligacy and became his + inseparable companion. Both of them admired physical charms and indulged + in all physical passions: they set a base fashion in Florence, which + degraded her men and women. They habitually made lewd jokes of everything + human and divine, and were noted for their cruelty to animals. If + Alessandro became execrated as “The Tyrant and Ravisher of Florence,” + Lorenzino was scouted as “A monster and a miracle,” and his depreciative + nickname underwent a new spelling—“<i>Lorenzaccio</i>,”— + “Lorenzo the Terrible!” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Satiety of excesses produced a revulsion of feeling between the two + debauchees. Alessandro began to show irritation at his companion’s + freedom. The latter refused to be corrected, and into his mind came once + more the inspiration of classical heroes of liberty and foes of + oppression. Why should he not be a Florentine “Brutus,” and have his name + engraved upon the pinnacle of fame as the “Saviour of his Country!” + Lorenzino studied and studied well the part he now set himself to play. + </p> + <p> + Not a word did he breathe to man or woman of what was paramount in his + mind, and he made not the slightest difference in his intercourse with + Alessandro—indeed, he drew himself to him more intimately than ever. + The Carnival of 1536 saw the maddest of all mad scenes, and everything and + everybody ran wild riot. Disguised as country minstrels and mounted upon + broken-down donkeys, the two comrades rode about the city, paying visits + to their various mistresses and flatterers, and playing practical jokes + upon the respectable citizens they encountered. + </p> + <p> + Returning one evening, weary with their follies, they supped together at + the Palazzo Medici, and then Lorenzino inquired how they were to spend the + night. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go to bed,” replied Alessandro, “for I am worn out.” + </p> + <p> + “Caterina?” whispered Lorenzino. + </p> + <p> + Alessandro rose abruptly and said, “Lead on, Lorenzo, I will follow.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing his valet and confidant, Giustiniano da Sesena, he said: “We are + going to Signore Lorenzino’s, but what shall I put on?” Giustiniano handed + him a crimson silk dressing-gown, and asked him whether he would wear his + sword and steel gauntlets, or whether his cane and his scented kid gloves + would not be more suitable. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” the Duke replied, “toss me over my lovers’ gloves, for I am about + to see my lady!” + </p> + <p> + Snatching a cloak, lined with fur, and grasping a light sword in his hand, + Alessandro left the palace by the garden wicket, followed by his valet and + two secret guards, Giomo da Carpi, and an Hungarian wrestler nicknamed + “Bobo.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Lorenzino had sought the street, and at the corner he found his + usual attendant, Michaele del Tovallaccino, a soldier possessed of a + splendid physique, combining the soft contour of Apollo and the brute + force of Hercules. His comrades called him “Scoronconcolo,” on account of + his wild, lustful nature. “He could kiss and bite,” they said, “at the + same time!” + </p> + <p> + “Michaele,” said Lorenzino, “I want you to kill the man who is my greatest + enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” replied the ruffian, “I am at your service. Tell me the name of + the fellow who has wronged you and I will kill him right off. I would kill + Jesus Christ himself if he hated you!” + </p> + <p> + “Stay at your post and I will return for you presently,” said Lorenzino, + going on to his own house across the way. + </p> + <p> + In the Piazza San Marco he overtook Alessandro, who dismissed his + attendants, and went on alone with his cousin. In Lorenzino’s chamber was + a good fire, and Alessandro, complaining of the heat, loosened his attire + and removed his sword, handing it to Lorenzino, who deftly entangled the + sash and belt in the hilt and placed it upon the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Caterina?” inquired the Duke. “Why is she not here?” + </p> + <p> + “She is quite ready,” was the reply, “and only awaits me to conduct her + hither.” + </p> + <p> + “Go at once and delay not!” cried Alessandro. + </p> + <p> + Locking the door from without, and putting the key in his pocket, + Lorenzino hastened to Michaele. + </p> + <p> + This “Caterina” was Caterina Ginori, Lorenzino’s mother’s sister. Forced + by her father, Paolo d’Antonio de’ Soderini, to renounce her lover, Luigi + degli Alamanni, and to marry Leonardo de’ Ginori—a disreputable + spendthrift and gambler, who fled to Naples to escape his creditors—she + attracted the notice of Duke Alessandro. She was as accomplished as she + was beautiful and very commanding in appearance, the mother of + Bartolommeo, the giant manhood model of Giovanni da Bologna for his famous + “Youth, Manhood, and Age,” miscalled “The Rape of the Sabines,” in the + Loggia de’ Lanzi. + </p> + <p> + At the rendezvous Lorenzino slapped Michaele upon the shoulder. “Brother,” + he said, “the moment has arrived. I have locked my enemy in my room. Come + on, now is your opportunity.” “March!” was the ruffian’s terse reply. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t fear to strike,” said Lorenzino, as they strode on side by side. + “Strike hard, and if the man should seek to defend himself, strike still + harder. I trust you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never you fear, my lord, were the man to swear he was the Duke or the + Devil, it matters not. Strike I will, and hard.” + </p> + <p> + Mounting the stairs quietly, Lorenzino opened the door of his apartment + softly, and there lay Alessandro, fast asleep upon the bed, with his face + to the wall. Coward, as he was wont to call himself, he no longer feared + to slay the “Tyrant of his People,” but whipping out his sword, not + waiting for Michaele’s attack, he thrust it right through the Duke’s back! + </p> + <p> + With a frantic yell Alessandro stumbled upon the floor. “Traitor! + assassin!” he screamed. Then, turning his eyes full upon Lorenzino, he + faintly added: “This from thee—my lover!” + </p> + <p> + Alessandro made as though to defend himself, and with the red blood + gushing from his back, he threw himself upon his murderer and they + struggled on the floor. + </p> + <p> + Michaele was powerless to strike: his weapon might have slashed his + master. Alessandro, with dying energy, seized the hand of Lorenzino and + bit two of his fingers to the bone, so that the miscreant yelled with + agony. Then they parted—Lorenzino to bind up his broken bones and + Alessandro to staunch his wound. “At him,” cried the madman, and Michaele + struck at him with his sword, cutting off his right cheek and his nose, + and then he got his dagger at his throat, and turned it round in the + gaping wound, until he nearly decapitated his unhappy victim. Again + Lorenzino heaved at him with his reeking weapon and fell upon him, + covering himself with blood, and bit his face in savage rage! Alessandro + fell away and lay, breathing heavily in a fearsome heap. Then Lorenzino, + chuckling with fiendish glee, roared out, “See, Michaele, my brother, the + wretch is dead!” + </p> + <p> + Raising the body of the still breathing Duke, his murderers threw it upon + the bed and covered it with the sheets. Then Lorenzino opened a window and + looked out upon the Via Larga, to see if anybody was about. Not a soul was + there. It was early morning, and by the new light of day he tore off a + piece of paper and scribbled upon it, with Alessandro’s blood, “<i>Vincit + amor patriae laudumque immensa cupido</i>,” and pinned it over + Alessandro’s heart! + </p> + <p> + Both he and Michaele washed their hands and their swords—their + clothes they could not cleanse—and Lorenzino, having filled his + pouch with the money and jewels he possessed, they picked up their cloaks + and hats, and, locking the door behind them, departed. In the basement + they encountered Fiaccio, Lorenzino’s faithful body-servant, groom and + valet combined, and he was bidden to follow his master. + </p> + <p> + The three made their way with haste to the residence of Bishop Angelo + Marzi, the chief custodian of the City Gates, of whom Lorenzino demanded + post-horses, showing to the servant Alessandro’s signet-ring, which he had + pulled off his victim’s finger. The Bishop made no demur, being well + accustomed to the erratic ways of the cousins. They took the road to + Bologna, where Lorenzino had the two broken fingers removed, and his hand + dressed, and then on they posted without further halt. + </p> + <p> + Lorenzino made at once for the house of Filippo negli Strozzi, the leader + of the exiled Florentines in that city, and rousing him from his slumbers, + embraced him with emotion, and said: “See, this is the key of the chamber + where lies the body of Alessandro. I have slain him. Look at my clothes, + this blood is his, no more shall Florence suffer at his hands. Revenge is + sweet, but freedom is sweeter!” + </p> + <p> + Filippo could scarcely believe the glad tidings, and surveyed his visitor + from head to foot. Lorenzino, noting his hesitation, called Michaele into + the room crying, “Here is Scoronconcolo the Assassin, and I am Lorenzaccio + the Terrible!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art our Brutus, my Lord Lorenzino!” exclaimed Filippo, with tears + running down his cheeks. “Tarry awhile, till I can summon our chief + allies, and rest yourselves. Bravo! Bravissimo!” + </p> + <p> + Next day alarm spread through the Medici Palace when the Duke failed to + make his appearance, especially as at noon he had summoned a meeting of + his new Grand Council of Two Hundred. No one knew where he had gone. + Lorenzino was gone too, at least he did not make his usual early morning + call. All the houses of their mistresses and other boon-companions were + searched in vain, but apparently no one dreamt of calling at Lorenzino’s, + across the way. Probably, it was thought, the two had gone off to + Cafogginolo—their favourite haunt. + </p> + <p> + Madonna Maria, Messer Jacopo de’ Salviati’s daughter, the widow of + Giovanni de’ Medici, “delle Bande Nere,” who resided near Lorenzino, + certainly heard loud cries which terrified her, but it was not an unusual + occurrence. Lorenzino had, in his villainous scheme, devised a cunning + decoy to accustom neighbours and passers-by to noisy behaviour. He had + repeatedly gathered in his house groups of young men with swords, whom he + instructed to cross their weapons as in serious self-defence, and to cry + out “Murder!” “Help!” and such like. + </p> + <p> + The first intimation of the tragedy was furnished by Lorenzino’s porter, + who kept his keys—that of the bedchamber was missing and the door + was locked! The man sought an interview with Cardinal Cibo, then in + Florence, and his former master, and told him his fears. The door was, by + his order, forced and then, of course, the terrible truth was made clear. + </p> + <p> + Under the pain of losing their heads, the Cardinal commanded absolute + secrecy on the part of the domestics and guards who had looked upon that + gruesome corpse. At the same time he ordered the game of “Saracino” to be + played in the <i>Piazza</i> close by, to remove the fears of a fast + gathering crowd of citizens. When asked if he knew where the Duke was, he + replied quite casually: “Oh, don’t worry about the Duke, he’s in bed of + course, sleeping off the effects of last night’s conviviality. He’ll + appear when he thinks fit. Go away and mind your own affairs.” + </p> + <p> + Somehow or another at last the news leaked out that Alessandro was dead, + and that Lorenzino had killed him. Cardinal Cibo convened the Council of + Forty-eight to discuss the situation. To him full powers were accorded to + administer the government for three days, until a settlement was reached. + This decision was most unpopular with the citizens, who began to rise in + opposition. + </p> + <p> + Just when another bloody revolution seemed imminent, Cosimo de’ Medici, + the young son of Giovanni “delle Bande Nere,” rode into the city, + accompanied by a few of his friends. Everywhere he was hailed with + enthusiastic cries—“<i>Evviva il Giovanni e il Cosimo</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The young Duchess Margaret fled precipitately from the Via Larga to the + fortress of San Giovanni, which Alessandro had only just built and + fortified. With her went three young children—not her own indeed, + for she had proved to be barren,—but children she found in her + husband’s house. By Florentine law they were recognised as belonging to + the family, and no one troubled about their precise origin. + </p> + <p> + These little ones were probably the issue of the Duke by a handsome <i>contadina</i> + employed in the palace, who went by the name of Anna da Massa. Francesco + Guicciardini, however, says she was the Marchesa da Massa, a noble lady, + one of Alessandro’s chief favourites. Giulio, some five years old, became + a soldier, and died Prior of the new military Order of St Stephen of Pisa; + Porczia died an enclosed nun in Rome; and Giulia married Francesco de’ + Barthelemmi. + </p> + <p> + Margaret herself married Ottavio Farnese, Prince of Nepi and Camerino, a + lad of sixteen years of age, and, a second time, being left a widow, she + espoused the Duke of Parma, and died in 1586—fifty years after her + ill-starred marriage with Alessandro de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + It was reputed that shortly before his assassination, a Greek soothsayer + one day stopped the Duke’s cortege in the street, and cried out, so that + all might hear: “Alessandro, Duke of Florence, thou shall be slain by a + relative, a thin man, small of stature, and dark of countenance. He will + have one accomplice. Beware!” + </p> + <p> + As for Lorenzino, whilst no action was taken publicly in Florence against + him—for, secretly all men, and openly the majority, praised his act—there + was a party whose members were sworn to avenge Alessandro’s blood. They + enlisted a service of irreconcilables to track the murderer to his death. + </p> + <p> + For eleven long years Lorenzino traversed land and sea, pursued, not only + by relentless foes, but tormented by an accusing conscience. He was no + Brutus to himself, but relapsed once more into a craven, stalking coward. + At length retribution overtook him, for two soldiers, devoted to + Alessandro’s memory, hunted him down in the waterways of Venice, to which + he had returned. One day, in May 1548, Bedo da Volterra and Cecchino da + Bibonna caught him by the Rialto, unattended and unarmed, and their + daggers did the work as effectively for him as did his sword for Duke + Alessandro! + </p> + <p> + What became of Lorenzino’s body nobody knew and nobody cared, probably it + was tossed by his assassins into the Grand Canal, and being washed out + into the sea, will await that day when the deep shall yield up all that is + therein. + </p> + <p> + Some authorities state that a reward of ten thousand gold florins was + offered for his head, that his effigy was burnt with every mark of + opprobrium in the Piazza della Signoria, and that the rabble pulled his + house down and burnt out the site. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — <i>A Father’s Vengeance</i> — Maria, Giovanni, + and Garzia de’Medici — Malatesta de’ Malatesti + </h2> + <p> + <i>A Father’s Vengeance</i> + </p> + <p> + “I will have no Cain in my family!” roared out Cosimo de’ Medici—“<i>Il + Giovane</i>,” Duke of Florence, in the forest of Rosignano. + </p> + <p> + “A Medico of the Medici,” prompt in action and suave in repose, his hand + flew to his sword hilt, and the cruel, cold steel of a father’s wrath + flashed in the face of Heaven! Duchess Eleanora made one swift step + forward, intent upon shielding her child, but she stood there transfixed + with horror—her arms and hands outstretched to the wide horizon in + silent supplication, her tongue paralysed! + </p> + <p> + The kneeling boy grasped his father’s knees, weeping piteously, and crying + aloud in vain for mercy. Thrusting him from him, and spurning him with his + heavy hunting-boot, he plunged furiously his gleaming blade into his son’s + breast, until the point came out between his shoulderblades! + </p> + <p> + With one expiring yell of agony and terror, Garzia de’ Medici yielded up + his fair young life, the victim of inexorable fate. It was high moon, and + the watchful stars, of course, could not behold the gruesome deed, but + over the autumn sun was drawn a grey purple mist, and gloom settled upon + the Maremma. And as the elements paled and were silent, a hush overspread + wild nature, not a beast in the thicket, not a bird on the bough, stirred. + Sighs siffled through the bracken and the heather, and the roar of the + distant sea died away in moaning at the bar. + </p> + <p> + With a suffocating sob, as though stabbed to death herself, the Duchess + swooned upon the ground, and, whilst the courtiers in the company hastened + to her assistance, the huntsmen reverently covered the still quivering + body of the young prince with their embroidered livery cloaks. + </p> + <p> + Not much more than a mile away another corpse was being gently borne by + tender loving hands—it was Giovanni’s, Garzia’s elder brother, the + young Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni de’ Medici was dead—Garzia was dead; and two virgin souls + were winging their flight to join their murdered sister Maria in the + Paradise of Peace. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Cosimo, Duke of Florence, was the son of Giovanni de’ Medici—called + “<i>delle Bande Nere</i>” and Maria de’ Salviati. Born in 1498, at Forli, + Giovanni—also known as “<i>Giovannino</i>” to distinguish him from + his father Giovanni, “<i>Il Popolano</i>”—was destined from his + cradle to a military career. With such a mother as Caterina, the natural + daughter of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, he was bound to acquire + with her milk the instincts of a pushful personality. + </p> + <p> + Pope Leo X., who was a Florentine of the Florentines, extended his zealous + patronage to the rearing and the training of his youthful relative. If not + a caster of horoscopes, he was a reader of character, and, son as he was + of Lorenzo “Il Magnifico,” he foresaw a future for “<i>Giovannino</i>” + fraught with immense importance to his family and his native city. + </p> + <p> + After receiving his early training as a soldier in Rome, attached to the + staff of one or other of the <i>Condottieri</i>, young Giovanni was + appointed to a military command with the Papal army in Lombardy, when he + was little more than out of his teens. His splendid physique and his + prowess in friendly encounter, revealed the lion that was in him. The + leader in all boyish pranks and rivalries, he displayed intrepid courage + and unfailing resourcefulness when called upon to prove his metal. To + strike quickly and to strike hard, he knew very well meant the battle half + won—hence there was added to his sobriquet two significant + appellations—“<i>L’Invincible</i>” and “<i>Il Gran Diabolo</i>!” + </p> + <p> + The troops under his command were, as was the rule in the Papal armies, + composed of motley companies of alien mercenaries and forced levies, but, + in addition, very many soldiers of fortune, attracted by his fame, rallied + to his banner. Very soon the “<i>Bande Nere</i>,” as Giovanni’s force was + called, gave evidence that they had no equals in equipment and efficiency. + Their leader took as his models the infantry of Spain and the cavalry of + Germany. Each man wore a black silk ribbon badge, and each lance bore its + black pennon—hence the “<i>Bande Nere</i>.” + </p> + <p> + It has been said of Mars, the God of War, that he was susceptible to the + wiles of Venus, even when intent on deeds of daring, so, too, was it true + of Condottiere Giovanni de’ Medici. Although born outside the “City of the + Lily,” and the child of a non-Florentine mother, he and his were always on + terms of good relationship with the gentle Duke Lorenzo. His associations + with Florence were of the closest nature, and “<i>Giovannino</i>” was + quite content to look for his bride among the marriageable maidens there. + </p> + <p> + With an ever open eye to a goodly marriage portion, Messer Giovanni “<i>Il + Popolano</i>” viewed the daughters of the Salviati with approval. That + house was famous for its financial prominence—rivalling that of his + own, and Messer Giacopo’s three girls were noted for good looks and clever + brains. Whether love, or money, was the magnet, or whether the two ran + together in double harness, young “<i>Giovannino</i>” took tight hold upon + the reins, and he and Maria Salviati were betrothed in the autumn of 1517. + </p> + <p> + To be sure there was a difficulty about the new marital habitation, for a + soldier upon active service has no settled home. Love, however, knows + obstacles only to overcome them, and so, somehow or another, the young + Madonna brought into the world, one wintry day in February—it was + the nineteenth—1519, her first-born, a son. Cosimo they christened + him, perhaps after his great ancestor Cosimo “<i>Padre della Patria</i>”— + “<i>Cosimonino</i>.” When mother and child could be moved Giovanni sent + them, for safety, into Florence, where they were lovingly welcomed by her + parents, Messer Giacopo de’ Salviati and his wife Lucrezia, daughter of + Lorenzo il Magnifico. + </p> + <p> + Pope Leo X., who had in his heart ambitious desires for the predominance + of his House, not alone in Tuscany but throughout Italy, regarded the + young soldier as one of his most trusty lieutenants. Designing, as he did, + to create Giuliano,—later Duke of Nemours,—King of Naples and + Southern Italy, and Lorenzo,—Duke of Urbino,—King of Lombardy + and Northern Italy, he made Giovanni “delle Bande Nere” Commandant of the + Papal armies. + </p> + <p> + Leo spent much time in Florence, having the Condottiere by his side, and + using him as an envoy,—first to the King of France, and, then to the + Emperor, in matrimonial negotiations which concerned Giuliano and Lorenzo. + The imbroglio about the Duchy of Milan found him at the head of the Papal + contingent of the Imperial army, but his success as commander was checked + by a disastrous peace concluded by the Pope. The early years of young + Cosimo’s life were critical in the affairs of Tuscany; a fierce struggle + for the suzerainty of all Italy was being fought out between Francis I. + and Charles V. The Pope, Clement VII.—Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici—who + had succeeded Adrian VI. in 1523, sided with either party as suited his + ambitions best. When favourable to the French, he handed over one division + of the Papal army to the king, who confirmed Condottiere Giovanni de’ + Medici in his command. + </p> + <p> + At Borgoforte he was shot in the knee, and again at Pavia, where Francis + was routed and taken prisoner. The campaign continued and Giovanni was + always in the front rank of battle until, outside Mantua, he was mortally + wounded and died within the fortress, on 30th November, 1526, at the early + age of twenty-nine. + </p> + <p> + An interesting little story concerns the first anniversary of Cosimo’s + birth. His father dreamed, on the eve of that day, that he saw his son + asleep in his cradle, and over his head he beheld a royal crown! In the + morning he did not tell Madonna Maria what he had seen in the + night-watches, but something prompted him to test the will of Providence. + Accordingly he told his wife to take the precious little babe up to the + balcony on the second floor of the Palazzo Salviati, in the Via del Corso. + </p> + <p> + “Throw down the child,” he cried from the street below. The Madonna + refused, and rated her husband for his madness, but he insisted, and + threatened so vehemently, that at last, in abject terror, she let go her + hold of her babe. The boy leaped from her arms into the air, and, whilst + the distracted mother uttered a wail of anguish, Giovanni deftly caught + his little son in his arms. The child chortled merrily, as if enjoying his + weird experience, and, inasmuch as he never so much as uttered the + slightest cry of fear, the intrepid Condottiere felt perfectly reassured + as to the auspicious presage of his dream. + </p> + <p> + “That’s all right,” he exclaimed, “my vision was no fantastic picture—my + bonnie boy will live to be a prince—Prince of Florence!” + </p> + <p> + Madonna Maria, left so young a widow—she was only twenty-five—consecrated + her life to the care of her young son—just eight years old—and, + under her parental roof in the Via del Corso, she engaged some of the best + teachers of the day to undertake his education. Cosimonino’s aptitude for + military affairs and his taste for chemical studies soon made themselves + apparent. + </p> + <p> + But the doting mother had a secret enemy, her child’s enemy indeed, an + enemy so powerful, and by all accounts so relentless, that her life became + a burden in her efforts to shield her boy from peril. That enemy was no + less a person than the Pope! + </p> + <p> + Clement, of course, knew very well of the existence of Giovanni delle + Bande Nere’s son and heir, and whilst he hailed the death of the father as + a gain for his personal ambition, he feared the life of his child would + peril his hopes for Alessandro, his own illegitimate son. Cosimo, + Giovanni’s boy, must be kept out of the way at all hazards, and Maria the + widow was very soon well aware of the Pope’s aims. + </p> + <p> + By every means in his power, Clement strove to obtain possession of little + Cosimo, but his mother was as watchful as she was prudent, and, till her + boy reached his twelfth year, she never let him go out of her sight and + keeping. She took him away to remote parts of Italy with trusty + attendants, that the Pope might not discover their whereabouts. Then she + chose a faithful friend of her family, Maestro Pierfrancesco Riccio da + Prato, to superintend his further education. If not the wisest of + teachers, he was admirable for the exact discharge of his duties and + inculcated the best traditions of the Medici. + </p> + <p> + Together tutor and pupil visited many parts of Central Italy and spent + some time at Venice, the chief subject of their studies being the heroic + doings of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This was the usual curriculum for + growing boys, and doubtless its observance induced that admiration of + tyrannicide which marked the character of so many young Florentines. + </p> + <p> + In 1523, when Clement so artfully persuaded the Florentine ambassadors to + request the despatch of the two bastards, Ippolito and Alessandro, to + Florence, the only man who maintained his opposition was Messer Giacopo + de’ Salviati, and he again protested in person both to Clement in Rome and + before the <i>Signoria</i> in Florence, against the creation of Alessandro + as Head of the Republic. Once more this “loyal citizen” withstood the + bastard Duke, when he put his hand to the building of the fortress of San + Giovanni. Naturally, Messer Giacopo’s opposition excited the animosity of + Alessandro, who, if he did not actually inspire his assassination, was, at + all events, privy to it. + </p> + <p> + But in spite of all, Cosimo grew and flourished, displaying his father’s + courage and his mother’s prudence. At fifteen, his character appeared to + be already formed. He was grave of aspect and severe in manner, very + backward in forming friendships, and intolerant of familiarities. + </p> + <p> + In 1536, the Emperor Charles and his court were in residence at Bologna, + and, hearing that young Cosimo de’ Medici was also in the city, the + monarch sent for him and received him with marked cordiality. Observing + the young man’s bearing and evident force of character, Charles took him + by the arm and, placing his hand upon the lad’s shoulder, said to him: + “You are fortunate, young man, to have had for your father a soldier who + made both France and Spain tremble!” + </p> + <p> + Between fifteen and eighteen we have few records of Cosimo’s life and no + hint as to where he was during the terrible years of tyranny and + debauchery in Florence. Anyhow, Duke Alessandro owed him no kindness, nor + did he enter into any relations with him. What dealings he had with + Lorenzino and Giuliano, his cousins, are unknown. They were nearer the + succession to the ducal throne than himself—indeed, the former was + regarded as next heir to Alessandro. In all probability the young man + lived with his mother at the villa at Castello which had belonged to his + father, and kept himself very much out of sight. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The news of Duke Alessandro’s assassination very soon got about, and + groups of citizens gathered in the Via Larga and also in the Piazza del + Signoria. Although considerable excitement pervaded those assemblages, the + people remained quiet and self-controlled. “Everybody,” as Benedetto + Varchi has recorded, “spoke out quite fully, as though no one doubted but + that the Greater Council of the city would at once be summoned. They + debated as to who would be chosen <i>Gonfaloniere</i>, and whether for + life or not. Meanwhile the Council of Forty-eight had assembled at the + Medici Palace at the call of the Cardinal (Cibo), and were in conference + in the long gallery upstairs.” + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Cibo was the son of Maddalena de’ Medici, Lorenzo il Magnifico’s + eldest daughter. He with Francesco de’ Guicciardini and Francesco de’ + Vettori had constituted themselves, in a sort of way, mentors and advisers + to the murdered Duke, who was only too glad to free himself of some of the + distasteful duties of State, and confide them to anyone who would relieve + him of them. + </p> + <p> + As for a successor to Alessandro, the Cardinal at first suggested Giulio, + the Duke’s bastard son, a child of eight years of age. The Council scouted + the idea of another regency, and intimated plainly their intention to seek + an adult Head of the Government. Full powers were given to the triumvirate + to carry on State business during the interregnum—a decision which + greatly displeased the populace. On dispersing from the conference the + councillors were greeted with derisive cries—“If you cannot make up + your minds, we must do it for you!” + </p> + <p> + During the adjournment the Cardinal and his two successors took counsel + with the Strozzi and other influential men in and beyond Florence, and + called to their aid the four Florentine Cardinals, Salviati, Gaddi, Pucci, + and Ridolfi. Paul III.—naturally anxious to have a finger in the pie—despatched + Roberto negli Strozzi with fifteen hundred mounted men to hold + Montepulciano, and at the same time directed the Cardinals to join him + there. The Papal nominee was Giuliano, younger brother of Lorenzino, the + Duke’s murderer—an entirely impossible choice. + </p> + <p> + Madonna Maria de’ Medici was at her father’s villa at Trebbio, but at once + she despatched couriers to hasten her son’s return from Bologna, whither + he had gone for study and for pleasure. She invited Cibo and Guicciardini + to meet him, and to take counsel with her concerning his claims on + Florence. Instructed by his astute mother, the young man paid great court + to the two visitors, and charmed them exceedingly. The Cardinal was at + once converted to the Madonna’s views. Both he and Messer Guicciardini + were struck by Cosimo’s appearance—tall, well-made, and + good-looking, he had a manly carriage, and his assured yet courteous + manner left nothing to be desired. + </p> + <p> + On the three councillors’ return to Florence, they were met by Señor + Ferrante de Silva, Conte de Cifuentes, the Spanish ambassador, who was + commanded by his master to support the candidature of Cosimo de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor, Charles V., moreover, sent Bernardino da Rieti as special + envoy, to enforce his views upon the “Forty-eight,” and with him went a + force of two thousand Spanish troops from Lerici—where they were in + garrison, partly with a view to overawe the Council, and partly for the + protection of the widowed Duchess Margaret. It was concurrently reported + that the Emperor had another project in view, namely to marry his daughter + to young Cosimo. At any rate, Margaret was directed to remain in Florence + and at the Medici Palace. + </p> + <p> + Conferences were held daily, both in the Medici Palace and in the Palazzo + Vecchio. To Francesco de’ Guicciardini was committed the duty of formally + proposing Cosimo—commonly called “Cosimonino”—as Head of the + State. At once Palla de’ Rucellai rose in opposition, but his party in the + Council was in the minority. The deliberations were disturbed by the + entrance of the French ambassador, who came to press upon their lordships’ + attention the claims of little Duchess Caterina, Duke Lorenzo’s only + legitimate child. The proposition met with unanimous disapprobation, and + fell to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Outside, in the Piazza, was a shouting, struggling crowd of citizens, + something unusual was going on, and the cries of the people penetrated the + windows of the Council Chamber—“<i>Evviva il figlio di Giovanni + delle Bande Nere!</i>” “<i>Evviva il Cosimonino!</i>” “<i>Evviva Cosimo il + Duca di Firenze!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The Council rose at once, without coming to a decision, but each member of + it understood the import of that cry, and each was quite ready to accept + the popular verdict. As they regained the street they saw a youthful + cavalier, with a small mounted retinue, surrounded by an enthusiastic + crowd of citizens. They had ridden fast from the Mugello and were covered + with dust. + </p> + <p> + “Signor Cosimo,” wrote Benedetto Varchi, “arrived in Florence with but a + few followers. As the son of Signor Giovanni, of fair aspect and having + always displayed a kindly disposition and a good understanding, he was + liked greatly by the populace, and they hailed him as heir to Duke + Alessandro, with marked affection. Affecting neither grief nor joy, he + rode on with an air of serene importance, showing rather his merit for the + throne than his wish for it. Dismounting at the palace, he visited + Cardinal Cibo, and expressing his regret at the Duke’s sanguinary death, + went on to say that like a good son of Florence he had come to place not + only his fortunes but his life at the service of his country.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo was named Head of the State, not Duke, on four conditions:— + </p> + <p> + 1. To render justice indifferently to rich and poor. + </p> + <p> + 2. Never to disagree with the policy of the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + 3. To avenge the death of Duke Alessandro. + </p> + <p> + 4. To treat his three illegitimate children with kindness. + </p> + <p> + Those who come to the front through their own genius or their destiny, + upon the first step of the throne accept the conditions of their + appointment, but, upon the last step, they commonly impose their own upon + their makers. Consequently, although but a youth of nineteen years of age + at the time of his opportune arrival in Florence, Cosimo at once showed + his intention of assuming personally and untrammelled the government of + the State. Cardinal Cibo and Francesco de’ Guicciardini, who had been the + first to recognise not only his claim but his fitness to rule, were very + tactfully set aside, and others, who might be expected to assert powers of + direction and supervision, were quietly assigned to positions where they + could not interfere with his freedom of action. + </p> + <p> + Within six months of his acclamation by the people as “Head of the State,” + Cosimo obtained from the Emperor Charles V. the full recognition of his + title of Duke of Florence. + </p> + <p> + There were great doings at the Palazzo Medici in the May of 1539, when + Cosimo welcomed his bride, Donna Eleanora, second daughter of Don Pedro de + Toledo, Duca d’Alba, the King of Spain’s Viceroy at Naples. She was + certainly no beauty, but a woman of estimable qualities, and profoundly + imbued with the spirit of devotion. Hardly, perhaps, the wife Cosimo would + have chosen, had not reasons of State as usual guided him. Eleanora, + nevertheless, proved herself a worthy spouse and an exemplary mother. + </p> + <p> + Within the palace Eleanora was shocked to find a little child, “<i>La Bia</i>”—short + for “<i>Bambina</i>,” “Baby”—she was called, some two years old. No + one seemed to know quite who was her mother. Some said she was a village + girl of Trebbio, and others, a young gentlewoman of Florence. Only + Cosimo’s mother, Madonna Maria, knew, and she refused to reveal the girl’s + identity, but she admitted that “La Bia” was Cosimo’s child. Eleanora + would not tolerate her presence in the palace, so Cosimo sent her off with + several attendants to the Villa del Castello, where, perhaps fortunately, + she died on the last day of February the following year. + </p> + <p> + The first years of Cosimo’s government were years of unrest and peril + throughout Tuscany. The adherents of the dead bastard Duke were neither + few nor uninfluential. Encouraged by the Clementine coterie in Rome, the + members of which had from the first opposed Cosimo’s succession to the + Headship of the Republic, they made the Florentine Court a hot-bed of + intrigue and strife. + </p> + <p> + The party, not inconsiderable, which supported the claims of Giuliano, + younger son of Pierfrancesco the Younger, and brother of Lorenzino, + Alessandro’s murderer, gave much trouble. Giuliano, who had been an + associate of the Duke and an abettor of Lorenzino’s “devilries,” fled + precipitately from Florence, and sought the protection of the Duke of + Milan. Lorenzino’s confession was written partly with a view of removing + suspicion from his brother, and to leave unprejudiced the claims of his + father’s family. There were many other cliques and parties, great and + small, each bent upon the other’s destruction in particular and upon the + undoing of the Republic in general. + </p> + <p> + By far the most formidable opposition to Cosimo’s rule came from Venice, + whence the Florentine exiles, under the command of Filippo negli Strozzi’s + two sons, Piero and Roberto, who had married Lorenzino’s sisters, Laudomia + and Maddalena, raised, with the assistance of the King of France, a strong + force, and invaded Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + It needed not the persuasion of Madonna Maria to urge Cosimo to action, + although her active representations to the Emperor—which obtained + the Imperial sanction and promise of co-operation—were important + factors in his resolution. Cosimo gathered together what men he could rely + upon in Florence, and when once his battle-banner was unfurled with the + black pennon of his redoubtable father, numbers of old campaigners + hastened to his support. + </p> + <p> + On 31st July, 1537, the opposing forces met in the valley of Montemurlo. + Cosimo displayed much of the daring and ability of his father, and victory + was never in doubt. The Strozzi and Baccio Valori were taken prisoners to + Florence, bound upon broken-down farm-horses, and their forces were + dispersed. It was reported that in the heat of the battle Otto da + Montanto, an Imperial officer, riding past Cosimo, lowered the point of + his sword as he shouted, “Forward, Signore, to-day the fortunes of the + Emperor and of Cosimo de’ Medici will prevail!” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo wore no velvet gloves in dealing with his enemies, secret and + pronounced. Arrest, confiscation, torture, banishment, and execution + thinned once more the ranks of the noblest families of Tuscany. Filippo + negli Strozzi, who was regarded as the leader of the anti-Cosimo party, + was taken prisoner and cast into the fortress of San Giovanni. Apparently + his aim was not a restoration of a Papal nominee to the Headship of the + State, but his own advancement to that position. He was put on the rack, + and eventually done to death by Cosimo’s orders. + </p> + <p> + The years 1538, 1539 and 1540, are deeply dyed with the blood of victims. + Florentine vengeance again proved itself satisfied only with wholesale + annihilation. It has been computed that in the latter year alone, nearly + five hundred men and women, chiefly of good family and high distinction, + came by violent deaths. Of these, one hundred and forty-six were + decapitated by Cosimo’s express orders! + </p> + <p> + Perhaps “The Terror” was inevitable, but it revealed in a lurid light the + revengeful and implacable temper of the young ruler. If he had inherited, + through many generations, the craft and pushfulness of the Medicis, he had + also become possessed of some of the brutality of the Sforzas, through his + grandmother Caterina, natural daughter, by the lovely but dissolute + Lucrezia Landriani, of Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan. This prince + possessed all the worst points of a Renaissance tyrant, and was “a monster + of vices and virtues”: perhaps he was insane, at all events, Caterina was + accustomed to speak of him as “<i>Uno Fantastico</i>!” + </p> + <p> + There was at least one ray of sunshine in that year of swift, dark deeds, + for, in less than a month after poor little “<i>La Bia</i>” had flown back + to Heaven, as lovely and as precious a gift as ever came to gladden the + hearts of young parents was vouchsafed to Cosimo and Eleanora, in the + birth of their first-born, a girl. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>Registri dei Battezzati dell’ Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore</i> + is the following record: “On April 13th, 1540, was baptised a female child + of the Duke of Cosimo, born on the third day of the same month, and she + was registered in the name of Maria Lucrezia.” Alas, the joy of that natal + day was marred by the solicitude which the delicacy of the frail infant + caused her father and mother. No one thought she could live, but Duchess + Eleanora was a tender nurse, and her weaning caused the cradle to rock + with hope as well as love. + </p> + <p> + Just twelve months later a baby brother came to keep little Maria company, + a strong and vigorous boy, dark-haired and sallow like his Spanish mother. + He was christened Francesco, after the patron saint of his day of birth. + Cosimo was not in Florence at the time, he had gone to pay his respects to + the Emperor Charles V. at Genoa. + </p> + <p> + The object of his visit to the Imperial Court was to thank Charles for the + German bodyguard of <i>Landesnechte</i> which he had sent to Florence to + defend the Medici Palace and its inmates during the three years of + disorder and repression, and to ask for an extension of their services. + </p> + <p> + Florence was full of Spaniards who had occupied Tuscany in force under the + Commendattore Raimondo da Cardona, and who had helped in the terrible sack + of Prato. They were a menace to peace and order in the city, and brawls + between them and the citizens were of daily occurrence. + </p> + <p> + Duchess Eleanora perhaps naturally held with her fellow-countrymen, + certainly she made a poor attempt to conceal her dislike for Florence and + its people. At Santa Maria Novella she endowed a chapel for Mass, which + served as a rallying-point for the foreigners, and acquired thereby its + name, <i>Cappella degli Spagnuoli</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess had, however, other than quasi-patriotic duties to perform, + for, in 1542, she again became the mother of a little daughter—Isabella + Romolá they called her, in compliment to beloved Spain. She was, like + Francesco, a healthy child, and she was fair, as “playful as a kitten,” + and thoroughly Medici in temperament. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo busied himself in peaceful pursuits. He greatly encouraged the arts + and crafts, and set on foot sagacious reformation of the conditions and + activities of the great Trade Guilds. The College of Science was due to + his patronage; and, in 1540, he extended his special protection to the + Florentine Academy—whence sprang the still more famous Accademia + della Crusca. + </p> + <p> + Still due regard was paid to the exigencies of political peace and the + maintenance of safeguards, Throughout Tuscany Cosimo raised forts and + works of defence. All the more important towns were fortified, and + entrenched camps and bastions were erected at San Martino in Mugello, and + at Terra del Sole. He kept his hand upon the pulse of Florence: no + slackening of restraint was possible. The men who had acclaimed him in + 1537 were quite capable of crying out for his supersession at any time. + Fickle indeed were the Florentines ever, but in Cosimo they had a master + who would not let them go. + </p> + <p> + The Duke’s family was growing fast, and each year as it passed gave him a + precious hostage to love and to fortune. The Duchess, in 1543, brought + forth her fourth child, another boy, called Giovanni, after his + grandfather, and in honour of good St John the Baptist, the patron saint + of Florence. Lucrezia followed in 1544, and then there came and went in + 1545 and 1546 Antonio and Piero. Garzia was born in 1547. A year sped by, + and in 1549, Ernando or Ferdinando, made his appearance and then came a + barren season, and when, perhaps, it had been concluded that the Duchess + had ceased child-bearing, came a great surprise, one more little son, in + 1554, Piero was his name. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Maria had been growing fast along with her many brothers and + sisters. At the age of eight or nine she was an attractive little damsel. + “Tall for her age, with a face not only pretty, but intelligent, and as + merry and as full of life as was possible. Her broad forehead was + indicative of more than ordinary mental power.” Her thirst for knowledge + and her power of acquisition delighted her doting father and mother. + </p> + <p> + Maria was reared with all the care that love and hope could inspire, and + at her mother’s knee she learned her first lessons. The unhappy result of + poor young Caterina’s education proved to Duke Cosimo that the convent was + no place for her, and, although he placed Alessandro’s illegitimate little + daughters, Giulia and Porczia, with the good nuns, he resolved that no + such experience should be that of his own dear children. The common + saying, “The cow that is kept in the stall gives the best milk” had for + him a special significance! + </p> + <p> + Florentine children were noted for precocity and cruelty. Perhaps the + tragedy of Giacopo de’ Pazzi, and the mauling of his mutilated body by the + street urchins, had left their marks on succeeding generations of boys and + girls. The most popular pastime was mimic warfare, wherein the actualities + of wounds and even deaths were common constituents. Every dangerous sport + was encouraged and, if by chance, or by intent, a boy killed his rival, + nobody cared and few lamented. The spirit of revenge was openly + cultivated, and cruelties of all kinds were not reprimanded. Whether + Cosimo’s children shared in the general juvenile depravity, it is + impossible to say: they were, as they left the nursery, kept hard at work + with their lessons—Maria certainly, and probably Isabella, shared + the studies of their brothers. At first, Maestro Francesco Riccio, who had + been their father’s tutor also, grounded them all in Greek, Latin, + grammar, music, and drawing; and then Maestro Antonio Angeli da Barga, a + scholar and writer of considerable merit, took them through the higher + subjects of composition, poetry, rhetoric, and geometry. + </p> + <p> + Foreign languages—at least French and Spanish—were not + forgotten, for, before Donna Maria was eight years old, she spoke the + latter tongue with fluency. The very learned Maestro Pietro Vettori, when + he joined the household of the Duke as teacher of Greek and philosophy to + Don Francesco, was greatly struck by the young girl’s attainments, and so + charmed was he by her sprightly manner, that he obtained permission for + her to join her brother’s lessons. + </p> + <p> + Donna Maria, before she was twelve, could read and quote Homer with ease. + She composed elegantly in Greek and Latin, and, possessed of a remarkably + sweet and sympathetic voice, she was able to recite from memory, and even + to expound her own juvenile opinions, both in Latin and in Tuscan. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo and Eleanora inhabited the Medici Palace, in the Via Larga, just + five years, and then he transferred his official residence to the Palazzo + Vecchio. This he did to show that he was absolute ruler of Tuscany as well + as head of the Medici family. With the skilled assistance of Tasso, the + architect, and Vasari, the painter, he set about structural and decorative + alterations and adornments, which rendered the old building more suitable + as a residence for the Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + In 1549 Duchess Eleanora purchased the Pitti Palace from Buonaccorso + Pitti, for 9000 gold florins, and laid out the adjacent gardens. There the + Duke and Duchess took up their residence with their family and their + suite. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Among young aspirants to fame and fortune, who enrolled themselves in the + “<i>Bande Nere</i>,” were several scions of the proud and warlike Rimini + family of Malatesti. One branch of the family held the Marquisate of + Roncofreddo, and their stronghold was the castle of Montecodruzzo. Marquis + Leonida de’ Malatesti was the happy father of many sons and daughters. + After the premature death of the Condottiere Giovanni de’ Medici, his sons + maintained their allegiance and devotion to the cause of his son + Cosimonino. + </p> + <p> + Giacopo and Lamberto, elder sons, became esquires of the young Medico, and + were of the party which entered Florence on that memorable day in 1537. A + younger boy, Malatesta, followed his brothers’ example, for, in 1548, in + the list of officers and men of the Ducal household in Florence, appears + his name as a page, but of the tender age of ten. + </p> + <p> + The lad was possessed of the vigour and spirit of his race, and it + required all the patience and tact of Frate Cammillo Selmi, the Master of + the Pages, to keep him in order. His pugnacious disposition attracted the + attention of the Duke, and his pretty looks and fair hair charmed the + Duchess. One other recommendation the young boy had—his father’s + fidelity and worthy services, and he was looked upon as a pet of the + palace, and became rather a playmate than an attendant of the Duke’s + family. Besides, his mother was a Florentine—she was Madonna + Cassandra, the daughter of Messer Nattio de’ Cini, a devoted adherent of + the Medici. + </p> + <p> + Many were the escapades in which Francesco, Giovanni, Garzia, and Ernando, + the Duke’s sons, were joined by young Malatesta de’ Malatesti and other + pages of the household. One such boyish prank, when the Court was at Pisa, + in the winter of 1550, had a tragic ending. In the pages’ common room the + lads were playing with shot-guns, which were supposed to be unloaded. + Picking up one of these, by mere chance, Malatesta aimed it jokingly at + his companions, when to his and their alarm the weapon exploded, and, sad + to behold, poor young Francesco Brivio, a son of Signore Dionisio Brivio + of Milan, a fellow page, fell to the ground mortally wounded. + </p> + <p> + Consternation reigned in the palace, the Duke’s private physician, Maestro + Andrea Pasquali, was sent for in all haste from Florence, and everything + was done for the unfortunate lad, but, on the fourth day—it was just + before Christmas—the promising young life passed away. + </p> + <p> + Malatesta, with his heart breaking, was confined in the guard-room, and + there he remained pending the Duke’s decision. Every one was grieved + beyond measure at the tragic occurrence, but all took Malatesta’s part. + The young Medici were eager and united in their version of the affair, + moreover Donne Maria and Isabella were filled with pity for the unhappy + young prisoner. Indeed, the former regarded him with a sister’s love: she + was just ten and the lad thirteen, and she pleaded with the Duchess, her + mother, to have the boy released. + </p> + <p> + The Duke sent for Signore Tommaso de’ Medici, the Chamberlain of the + Court, and gave him instructions to set the boy at liberty, after + administering the useful punishment of twenty strokes with a birch rod, + and giving him a severe reprimand and caution! + </p> + <p> + Signor Brivio and his wife, of course, were dreadfully cast down by their + sad bereavement, and both wrote piteously to the Duke, and so did Marchese + Leonida de’ Malatesti. Cosimo sent very sympathetic letters in return: + that to the Marchese was as follows: “... Consideration has been given ... + it has not been found that there was any malice between the boys.... Do + not trouble yourself any further about the matter, for your boy remains in + our service, in which we hope he will behave as he ought, and we hold you + in the same esteem as we have ever done. May God preserve you.” + </p> + <p> + Young Malatesta grew to be a fine, high-spirited soldier of the Duke’s + bodyguard. Loyal to the core to his master, and ambitious for the honour + of his family, no enterprise was beyond his scope, no obstacle + insurmountable. Intercourse between the princes and princesses and himself + became naturally less familiar, but the affections of early boy and + girlhood are not easily dissipated; and so Malatesta de’ Malatesti and + Maria de’ Medici found, but, alas, for their woe and not for their weal! + </p> + <p> + Whilst boys and young men in Florence were free to come and go as they + liked, and to mix with all sorts and conditions of men and women, the case + was precisely the opposite for girls. Very especially severe were the + restrictions imposed upon the growing daughters of the Duchess Eleanora. + Brought up amid all the austerity and fanaticism of the Spanish Court, + Eleanora de Toledo viewed woman’s early life from the conventual point of + view. + </p> + <p> + Jealous of her children’s honour, she fenced her three daughters around + with precautions which rendered their lives irksome to themselves and + troublesome to all who were about them. Maria and her younger sisters were + literally shut up within the narrow limits of the apartments they occupied + in the palace—happily for them it was not the Palazzo Vecchio but + the more roomy Pitti, with its lovely Boboli Gardens. + </p> + <p> + With carefully chosen attendants and teachers, their lives were entirely + absorbed by religious exercises, studies, and needlework. Rarely were they + seen at Court functions, and rarer still in the city. If they were allowed + a day’s liberty in the country, they were jealously guarded, and every + attempt at recognition and salutation, of such as they chanced to meet, + was rigorously checked. + </p> + <p> + Beyond association with their brothers, and anxiously watched intercourse + with the members of the Ducal suite, their knowledge of the sterner sex + was absolutely wanting. It was in vain that Cosimo expostulated with his + consort; she was inexorable, and, indeed, she stretched her system so far + as to exclude the ladies of the Court. Perhaps she was right in this, for + the Duke himself was the daily object of her watchfulness! + </p> + <p> + Cosimo was wont to meet her restrictions by some such remark as “Well, you + see, Eleanora, Maria and Isabella are of the same complexion as myself; we + have need of freedom at times to enjoy the pleasures of the world.” + </p> + <p> + Love, we all know, cares neither for locks nor bars, and lovely young + Maria de’ Medici was surely made to love and to caress. She had many + adorers, whose ardour was all the more fierce by reason of their inability + to press her hand and kiss her lips. She was in 1556 betrothed to Prince + Alfonso d’Este, eldest son of the Duke of Ferrara. He was certainly not in + the category of lovers, even at sight, for he had never seen his bride to + be. That was an entirely unimportant incident in matrimonial arrangements. + The union was projected entirely for political reasons, and chiefly for + the putting an end to the protracted contest for precedence between the + two families, which every now and again threatened to plunge all Italy + into war. + </p> + <p> + Alfonso d’Este was the heir of his father, Ercole II.—of his titles + and wealth, but not of his good looks and polished manners: besides, his + reputation for chastity and sobriety was not of the best. Directly Maria + was told of the arrangement she expressed her disgust and her + determination not to submit to parental dictation. Her reception of the + Prince was cold in the extreme, she declined to see him apart from her + sisters and attendants, and he returned to Ferrara in no amiable frame of + mind. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile love, true love, had peeped through the jalousies of Princess + Maria’s window, and his arrows had fled their dangerous course unseen by + any but herself, and him whose heart was hers. No one suspected that a + life so guarded could, by any means, be filched from its restraints; but + so it was, and the first gossip sprang out of the mouth of a venerable + Spanish retainer of the Duchess, the faithful <i>custode</i>, Mandriano, + who guarded his mistress’s door almost night and day. + </p> + <p> + Traversing one day an unfrequented part of the gardens of the Palace on + the Hill, the old fellow thought he heard voices, and, approaching a grove + of laurels, he descried the young Princess in the arms of Malatesta de’ + Malatesti! + </p> + <p> + The Duchess was furious when Mandriano told her, and immediately conveyed + the portentous news to her husband. Cosimo reflected long and acted + warily, for he made no move for many days. Stealthily he tracked the + unsuspecting lovers to their trysting-place. Mandriano’s story was quite + correct. + </p> + <p> + He summoned the two young people to his private closet, he acquainted them + with the fact that the <i>liaison</i> could not continue, and ordered + Malatesta to prepare for immediate imprisonment—with the loss of all + his honours and the confidence of his Sovereign. The boy pleaded in vain, + and testified to the innocence of the love-making without effect, except + to raise the Duke’s anger to a dangerous pitch. Maria threw herself at her + father’s feet and appealed for mercy for her lover, asking that the + parental vengeance should fall on her and not on Malatesta. + </p> + <p> + “That you shall have, base child of mine,” Cosimo cried in a fierce tone; + “see, you shall have the justice of a Roman father!” Then, plucking out + his poignard from its hidden sheath, he stabbed his child to the heart! + Drawing forth the gory weapon, he flung it at the head of the despairing + youth, and, throwing his cloak around his shoulders, rushed out of the + chamber slamming-to the door! + </p> + <p> + Malatesta must have fallen in a deadly swoon across the lovely form of his + <i>innamorata</i>, incapable of speech and action, for, there they were + found, both apparently dead, by brethren of the <i>Misericordia</i>, who + had been summoned by the Duke. Malatesta was thrown into prison, and there + he languished for seven long years, without anyone knowing of his + existence. His parents had asked Cosimo repeatedly about the boy, but no + answer was ever given—the Duke having forbidden the subject to be + named. + </p> + <p> + To the Duchess he prevaricated and hinted that the sudden death of the + child was due to the malignant spotted fever, and that he had given + personal instructions for the immediate removal and interment of her body. + The brethren of the <i>Misericordia</i> might have enlightened the + grief-stricken mother, only they were sworn to secrecy; they knew how the + beauteous young girl had died. They laid her fair body to rest in a grave + unknown even to her father, and not among her people in San Lorenzo. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo moved the Court immediately to Livorno, and thence to Pisa, and + there they kept their Lenten fast in strict seclusion. There was universal + grief in Florence where the unhappy Princess, though rarely seen in + public, had become the favourite of the people, through her fresh young + beauty and by what was known of the sweetness of her character and the + brilliancy of her attainments. + </p> + <p> + Duchess Eleanora and her children mourned piteously for lovely Maria: + there seemed to be no solace for their grief. As for the Duke, he was a + changed man, the bitterness of remorse had turned his natural reserve into + moroseness. He was like one beside himself, his wonted firmness and + self-control, at times, failed to stay him, and he preferred to shut + himself up alone in one of the towers of the castle at Livorno, venting + his passionate despair in fits of weeping and in abject cries of + self-reproach. + </p> + <p> + No one dared to go near to him, for to all who presumed to intrude upon + his woes he was like a lion roused. That ever ready secret blade might be + whipped out to another’s undoing! Still, in calmer moments he reflected, + as Muzio has suggestively written: “Maria was very beautiful, as beautiful + as any child of earth, most courteous and gentle, her seriousness + compelled everyone to respect her, her sprightliness, to love her. She was + pleasing to Heaven, whither she had gone sinless to reinforce the angelic + choir, and to wear the most fragrant coronal of roses among the companies + of holy virgins.” + </p> + <p> + As for the unfortunate young Malatesta, he pined in his dungeon within the + keep of San Giovanni for a while, but “hope springeth ever in youthful + hearts,” and his one and consuming thought was of escape. His conduct + seems to have been exemplary, and he gained the sympathy and friendship of + his gaolers. At length he ventured to unbosom himself to a worthy sergeant + of the guard, and this man assisted him, knowing well what great risk they + both incurred. + </p> + <p> + One evening Malatesta unseen, save by his friend, scaled the prison wall, + and made good his escape from Florence and Tuscany. He did not venture to + seek sanctuary within his father’s castle, but, flying to the coast, + boarded a vessel bound for Candia, a fief of Venice, and outside Duke + Cosimo’s jurisdiction. Various tales are told of his future career—some + affirm that assassins, in the pay of Duke Cosimo, tracked him to his doom, + and others, that he fell, fighting against the Turks at Famagusta. Anyhow, + the kindly sergeant was put to death by order of the Duke! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Cosimo de’ Medici was not the sort of man to brood very long over + troubles, however prostrating and desperate. He was essentially a man of + action, prompt, eager and able: probably no one ever had a more thorough + confidence in his own ability. There were several questions of supreme + importance, both public and private, which claimed his attention. + </p> + <p> + The everlasting disagreement between the aristocracy and the democracy was + only partially healed by the alliance of the two against an autocracy. + Cosimo was bent upon being absolute ruler of Tuscany, and the development + of his will raised against him and his Government constant opposition. He + meant to keep his hand tight hold of the bridle of his charger “Tyranny,” + and to spur him on where he willed. + </p> + <p> + The Mediceo-Este dispute still called for firmness and determination. + Tuscany and Florence had certainly a better case than the Romagna and + Ferrara, but intrigue and bribes could achieve what the sword and pen + could not. Cosimo meant to keep on his steel gauntlets, although he + covered them with the fragrant silk gloves of plausibility. With this idea + ever present, he was bent upon retaining the advantage he had gained over + Duke Ercole in the matter of poor young Donna Maria’s betrothal, for he + had other daughters to consider. Donna Isabella was provided for, for + better or for worse—alas, that the latter was to be her sad fate—beautiful, + fascinating Isabella de’ Medici, but Donna Lucrezia, nearly fifteen years + of age, was the forfeit her father paid in his gambit of Medicean + aggrandisement. + </p> + <p> + In the July that followed Donna Maria’s tragic death, with all the + circumstances and pomp of state ceremonial, Lucrezia de’ Medici was + married to Alfonso II., Duke of Ferrara, the same prince who had been + affianced to her sister Maria. + </p> + <p> + It was not without misgivings that this step was taken: Duchess Eleanora, + in particular, expressed dissatisfaction with the match, and feared, + perhaps superstitiously, the portent of a second unlucky alliance. Anyhow + the preparations for the nuptial day, and the pageants which accompanied + it, drew off the thoughts of all from the terrible event of Christmas. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo, however, had other and, from his own personal point of view, more + attractive objects upon which to expend thought and action. As soon as the + marriage festivities were over, he set out with a small suite of expert + surveyors and agriculturists to the Maremma. It was a peculiarly unhealthy + region, and had gone out of cultivation, and its former inhabitants had + deserted it. + </p> + <p> + The Duke determined to drain the land by cutting a canal right through + from the Arno to the sea. Next, he set to work to afforest the newly + recovered ground, to carve it out in allotments suitable for agricultural + pursuits, and to encourage the settlement of vigorous working + peasant-tenants. A certain portion of the estates he set apart to his own + use for the preservation of wild game. He rebuilt and enlarged the ruined + castle of Rosignano, ten miles from Livorno, for the occupation of himself + and his family and for his hunting associates. + </p> + <p> + At Pisa he had peculiar interests. The University, which Lorenzo “il + Magnifico” had refounded, had been abandoned by his successors and was + closed. Cosimo took the matter up: he re-established all that had been + done by his illustrious predecessor, and endowed a number of professorial + chairs—especially in chemistry, wherein he was himself an ardent + student and sapient expert—and kindred sciences, and founded + scholarships or apprenticeships for youths of every station. + </p> + <p> + The climate of Pisa suited Duchess Eleanora and young Don Giovanni—who + was a delicate lad—better far than that of Florence; it was sedative + and not so rigorous in winter as that of the higher Val d’Arno. Then, too, + they were there within easy reach of their favourite seaside residence, + Livorno, in whose harbour rode constantly galleons of war from Spain + flying the Duchess’ own dear country’s ensign. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo and his family of course had many other distractions from the + affairs of State. In addition to his attainments as a chemist, in which + science he especially interested his eldest son, Francesco, he excelled in + his knowledge of botany. With passionate devotion to an attractive subject + he taught his children the nature and the use of all growing things. At + the Pitti Palace he had his laboratories. + </p> + <p> + Printing and the printing-press found in Cosimo an ardent patron. Away in + the grounds of the Casino di Cosimo—“<i>Il Padre della Patria</i>”—within + the confines of the monastery of San Marco, he printed, bound, and + published, literary works of all kinds. Torrentino, Paolo Giovio, Scipione + Ammirato, Benedetto Vasari, Filippo de’ Nerli, Vincenzio Borghini, and + many other writers, printers, and critics, collectors, forgathered at the + Ducal studios. + </p> + <p> + Architecture and the embellishment of the city had also Cosimo’s active + sympathy: piazzas, bridges, fountains, statues, still bear the marks of + his supervision. Benvenuto Cellini, Michael Angelo Buonarroti, Baccio + Bandinelli, Giovanni da Bologna, Bernardo Buonlatenti, Francesco Ferrucci, + Tribolo, Giorgio Vasari, were among his protégés and personal friends. + </p> + <p> + In all these enterprises he shared his pleasures with his sons, and so the + years passed on with rays of brilliant sunshine piercing the clouds of + darkling deeds. Alexandre Dumas has well summed up the character of Cosimo + de’ Medici: “He had,” he says, “all the vices which rendered his private + life sombre, and all the virtues which made his life in public renowned + for splendour; whilst his family experienced unexampled misfortune, his + people rejoiced in prosperity and gladness.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps in the delights of music and dancing and in the invigorating + exercises of the chase, Cosimo found his best-loved relaxation. No + Florentine valued more thoroughly, and shared more frequently than he, in + the layman’s privilege of assisting in the choir of the Duomo at the + singing of the “Hours.” Musical reunions in the gardens of the Pitti + Palace were of constant recurrence, where he and his children danced and + sang to their hearts’ content, amid the plaudits of the company. + </p> + <p> + The Duke easily excelled all his courtiers and the many distinguished + visitors who made Florence their rendezvous, in exploits in the + hunting-field. No one rode faster than he, always in at the death, whether + buck or boar, he was second to none as a falconer. He knew every + piscatorial trick to take a basketful of fish, and in the game of + water-polo, in the Arno, no swimmer gained more goals! + </p> + <p> + In the middle of October, 1562, the Duke and Duchess, with their four + sons, Giovanni, Garzia, Ernando, and little Piero—only eight years + old—accompanied by a limited suite, left the Palazzo Pitti for a + progress through South Tuscany and the Maremma. At Fuicchio and Grosseto + they made sojourns, that the Duke might inspect the new fortifications, + which were nearing completion, and view the partly formed roads. + </p> + <p> + The cavalcade passed on to Castiglione della Pescaia, Massa Maritima, and + thence to the Castello di Rosignano, where they went into residence for + the hunting season. The members of the Ducal family were not in very + robust health, and Maestro Stefano had “indicated” the healthy pastime of + the chase as a cure for enfeebled constitutions. Don Giovanni, born 28th + September, was just nineteen. He was of a gentle disposition, serious + beyond his years, amenable to the dictates of conscience, and attracted by + the offices of religion. In many ways he resembled his mother, and was + physically more of a Spaniard than a Florentine. From his earliest years + he evinced a remarkably docile submission to all who were placed over him + as teachers or governors. He was gifted with great ability, for, sharing + as he did, the studies and duties of his brothers, he very soon surpassed + them all in polite accomplishments. Francesco Riccio, now the Duke’s + Major-domo, noted the young prince’s cheerfulness, conscientiousness and + diligence. The reports which Maestro Antonio da Barga made to his father + of his son’s progress were full of praise of his young pupil’s aptitude + and perseverance. Giovanni de’ Medici was, in many respects, a brilliant + exponent of Count Baltazzare Castiglione’s <i>Cortegiano</i> or “Perfect + Gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo expected great things of his amiable and accomplished son, and, + noting especially his sobriety and integrity, destined him for the service + of the Church. Pius IV. succeeded to the Papal throne in 1559, and his + election was in a great measure due to the advocacy of the Duke of + Florence. In January of the following year, he invited young Giovanni to + visit Rome, and immediately conceived an immense fancy for his charming + visitor. Giovanni was preconised Cardinal-Deacon, with the title of Santa + Maria in Domenica, and the Pope presented him his own private residence, + with its appointments and household. The young Cardinal spent some weeks + in the Eternal City, and gathered around him, by his courtesy and + liberality, most of the Florentine exiles in Rome and its environs. They + were generally in a woeful condition, and the young prince undertook to + bring their misfortunes and their fervent wishes before his father. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal of Lorraine and the Cardinal Camerlengo Ascarno Sforza had + previously visited the Tuscan Court, and had received Cosimo’s consent to + his son’s acceptance of the biretta. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni Battista Adriani in his <i>Istorie di Suoi Tempe</i>, has placed + on record that this youthful Prince of the Church was “of mature judgment + and wise beyond his years, and of such a bearing that it would have been + difficult to have found anyone more attractive, more seemly in his morals, + and very sensible.” In Rome Giovanni gave himself up especially to the + study of antiquities, and he became a great favourite with the many pious, + learned, and distinguished men who were gathered round the mild and + religiously-minded Pontiff. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal de’ Medici’s secretary was the erudite and upright Abbot Felice + Gualterio, who subsequently gathered together his letters and literary + compositions, “wherein are noble and benevolent expressions of his + affection for his father and mother and his brothers and sisters.” Garzia, + two years his junior, is often named with sincerest love and pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Pius, constant in his devotion to the young Cardinal, added to his honours + and prerogatives by creating him, early in 1561, Archbishop of Pisa, but, + inasmuch as he had not reached the age prescribed for holding + ecclesiastical preferments, Canon Antonio da Catignano was appointed + Administrator of the spiritualities of the See. However, in March, the + young Archbishop made his ceremonial entry into Pisa, accompanied by the + Duke and Duchess, with their family and court. + </p> + <p> + The Pope greatly desired that Cardinal Giovanni should enter Holy Order, + and to this the young prince cordially and reverently acceded, but, for + reasons of his own, Cosimo declined his consent, remarking that “a prince + of his house was more distinguished than a consecrated prelate.” As a + set-off to this discourteous reply to Pius, the Duke, whilst at Pisa, + founded the military order of San Stefano, as a thank-offering for the + subjugation of Siena, much after the pattern of the Knights of Malta—constituting + himself Grand Master and the Cardinal, Chancellor. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni actually undertook his duties as Archbishop by granting letters + of appointment to benefices within his diocese. One is dated 24th October, + 1562, and was addressed to the Bishop of Arezzo, about the presentation to + a certain abbey which had become vacant upon the death of Cardinal della + Cueva. + </p> + <p> + It was at this period that Pius wrote to Duke Cosimo, suggesting a + matrimonial alliance between the Duke’s eldest son, Don Francesco,—who + was undertaking a princely tour of the chief European Courts for the + double purpose of making himself known personally to the various + Sovereigns, and of looking out for a suitable consort,—and the + Princess Maria Garzia of Portugal. The proposition was backed up by an + offer of the kingly title to the Duke. Both propositions fell to the + ground, but Pius, in his eagerness to render the Duke of Florence homage, + and to prove his gratitude, asked his acceptance, for his young son + Garzia, of the command of a Papal ship of war. + </p> + <p> + Garzia, the third of Duke Cosimo’s surviving sons, was born on 1st July, + 1547. His baptism, for some unknown reason, was delayed three years, and + not until 29th June, 1550, was he held at the ancient font in the + Battisterio di San Giovanni, having for his sponsor Pope Julius III., who + was represented by Jacopo Cortese da Prato, Bishop of Vaison, the writer + of a curious letter descriptive of the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The little fellow was a thorough Medico, full of spirit, frank, and + daring. Blessed with the good looks of his father’s family, he was the + merriest among his brothers and sisters. Mischievous, and passionate too, + at times, he endeared himself especially to his mother by his fascinating + manners and his whole-hearted devotion. + </p> + <p> + Whilst regarding his brilliant son Giovanni, perhaps, with the keenest + affection, Cosimo saw in his younger boy traits not unlike his own, and an + instinctive love of arms. Garzia then was from the first years of boyhood + destined for a military career, having placed before him the splendid + example of his redoubtable grandfather, “Giovanni <i>L’Invincible</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Upon his thirteenth birthday, the Duke appointed his gay young son Admiral + of the Florentine fleet at Pisa, naming as his Vice Admiral, Baccio + Martelli, the most valiant and best experienced naval commander in his + forces, and the head of one of the most ancient Florentine families. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Cardinal Giovanni’s expression of affection for his younger + brother, there is no doubt that he was not a little jealous of his + mother’s partiality for Garzia. One would have thought that Duchess + Eleanora would have regarded with special delight and love the son who + most resembled herself in appearance and disposition; but perhaps the + reason for her preference may be gathered by looking into the happy, + radiant, laughing face of her bonnie little son, as painted by Angelo + Bronzino at the Uffizi in Florence! + </p> + <p> + It would seem that when the Court reached Rosignano the Duchess, Giovanni, + and Garzia complained of fever, and they were for a few days confined to + the house. The good air and the charm of country life were specific, and + the invalids regained their vigour and their good spirits, and all were + eager for the sport. Each day had its particular rendezvous, and what form + the pastime should take was agreed overnight by the chief huntsmen and + falconers. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess Eleanora did not always accompany her husband, and Ernando—who + was not quite thirteen—generally remained with his tutors at the + Castle until afternoon, when they both sallied forth, with little Piero, + to meet the returning-hunting party. Upon the ever-memorable twenty-sixth + of November the Duchess had been persuaded by Don Giovanni to go with + them, for there was to be a deer-drive in the forest between the castle + and Livorno, and he expected to have a chance of exhibiting his skill as a + marksman at a notable full-grown roebuck. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni and Garzia were equally fearless riders, and very soon after the + game had been rounded up, the special quarry they were after went off at a + tremendous rate, out-distancing his pursuers until he was lost in the + forest. The brothers separated and met again in an open glade, where both + descried the buck, quietly browsing upon the fresh green grass. Garzia + seems to have sighted the animal first, but whilst he was somewhat slow in + bringing his weapon to his shoulder, the Cardinal aimed, fired, and + dropped the game. He at once dismounted and ran to claim the prize. High + words followed, and, when Giovanni made some insulting remark about his + less mature station as a marksman, Garzia, over-heated by the chase, and + aggravated by his brother’s raillery, hastily drew his heavy hunting-knife + and brandished it before Giovanni’s face, threatening to do for him if he + did not desist, and withdraw his claim to first shot. + </p> + <p> + Giovanni pushed the boy from him, perhaps somewhat roughly, and then + Garzia, having entirely lost command of himself, struck a blow at his + brother which wounded him severely in the groin. Giovanni fell to the + ground, exclaiming, “And this from you, Garzia. May God in Heaven forgive + you. Call help at once.” + </p> + <p> + The blast of the horn soon gathered round the unhappy brothers courtiers + and huntsmen. Giovanni was bleeding freely, his hose and buskins were + saturated, and Garzia was weeping piteously, and crying out despondently, + “Oh God, I have killed Giovanni! Oh God, I have killed Giovanni!” A + huntsman snatched up the gory lethal weapon, lest the boy, in his despair, + should turn it upon himself. + </p> + <p> + All that they could do to staunch Giovanni’s wound they did, and having + made a temporary stretcher with guns and hunting-cloaks, the little + cavalcade was preparing to move on to seek further assistance. They had + not proceeded very far when the Duke and his attendants rode upon the + scene. Halting the bearers of his son he enquired who it was they carried. + Before any one could make a reply, Don Garzia ran shrieking up to his + father. + </p> + <p> + “It is me, your Garzia, I have killed Giovanni,” he cried out in abject + terror. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo motioned the sorrowful bearers to proceed, and they and their + burden were no sooner out of sight than Duchess Eleanora came up in her + sedan-chair, terribly agitated by the cries she had heard in the forest. + She approached her husband and found him standing lost in thought, with + that terrible expression upon his face which he exhibited once before when + she had enquired for her first-born, Maria! + </p> + <p> + There, too, on the sward, was her favourite son, her Garzia, apparently in + a swoon, and she advanced to aid him. Garzia heard his mother coming + towards him and, rousing himself, he ran and threw himself into her arms, + weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + Then once more he turned to his father pleadingly, and kneeling to him, + grasped his legs, imploring pardon for his crime—for neither father + nor son doubted but that Giovanni was dead. Baring his head, and holding + his arms wide apart to Heaven, the Duke appealed to God to direct his + actions. Then, turning to his son, grovelling at his feet. “Behold, thy + brother’s blood,” he cried with bitterness, “asks vengeance of God and of + me, thy miserable father; and now I shall deal with thee alone. Certainly + it is a heinous crime for a father to kill his son, but it would be a + still more grievous sin to spare the life of a parricide, lest he went on + to exterminate his family, and lay their name in the dirt, to be execrated + of all men. I have now resolved what to do, for I would far rather live in + history as a pitiless father than as an unjust Sovereign.” + </p> + <p> + The Duchess, judging that Cosimo actually intended to slay his son, and + knowing how fruitless any efforts of hers would be to avert such a + terrible calamity, fell upon her knees and prayed aloud to Heaven to save + the poor, young boy, and spare her own broken heart. Shutting her eyes, + and covering her ears, she awaited, more dead than alive, the fall of that + hand, within which was convulsively grasped a flashing poignard! + </p> + <p> + Cosimo once more prayed most earnestly to God to approve the justice of + his deed, to pardon him for so executing the Divine wrath, and for peace + for the souls of his young sons. Then, bending towards the unconscious + Garzia, he exclaimed, “I will have no Cain in my family,” and, at the same + moment, he plunged his weapon into the heart of his boy. + </p> + <p> + With a last despairing shriek Garzia fell away, crying, as he expired, the + one word “Mother!” + </p> + <p> + The Duchess also lay upon the grass, still as death; indeed, her heart had + stopped its beat when Cosimo raised her, and bid her sternly to act the + woman. She was speechless and demented, and at the sight of her dear son’s + crimson blood colouring the fresh verdure where he had fallen, she lost + her reason, and her cries and shrieks resounded through the forest. + </p> + <p> + From all sides courtiers and huntsmen appeared upon the scene. The Duke + silently waved them away, and, beckoning four of the most trusty of his + retainers, he bade them pick up the dead body of the young prince and bear + it after him, whilst he commanded the lacqueys to carry back the Duchess + in her sedan-chair to the Castle. + </p> + <p> + Asking which way the bearers of the murdered Giovanni had taken, he + ordered his own cortege to follow on to Livorno. Arrived at the palace, + the corpses of the two unfortunate young princes were arranged for burial. + Upon baring Don Garzia’s body, a fresh wound was discovered <i>in his back</i>, + but whether by the hand of Don Giovanni no one ever knew. This fact, + however, was reported to the Duke and furnished him with a satisfactory + reason for the double tragedy—for he deemed it wiser just then that + the truth should not be published! + </p> + <p> + Solemn obsequies were celebrated in the Duomo of Pisa. Don Giovanni was + honoured with all the gorgeous ceremonies due to a Cardinal Archbishop, + and some say his body was left there, whilst the burial of poor Don Garzia + was completed by a simple service in San Lorenzo in Florence. The cause of + the twofold lamentable occurrence was officially ascribed to malarial + fever—the two young victims having contracted, as it was said, the + fatal malady during the progress of the Court through Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess Eleanora did not long survive her sons. She never left her bed + in the Castle of Rosignano until she was carried for expert advice and + treatment into Pisa. Prince Francesco returned in haste, from his tour of + the Courts, and did much, by his loving sympathy, to revive his stricken + mother. Still of no real avail were all the remedies, for she breathed her + last one month after that terrible day in the forest, and her body was + borne sorrowfully into Florence, and, within the octave of Christmas laid + beside her dearly-loved Garzia. + </p> + <p> + As for Duke Cosimo, Don Francesco found him a changed man, aged by a good + ten years, silent, morose, and indifferent to all that transpired around + him. + </p> + <p> + News of the tragedy was current in the city of Trent, where the + Aecumenical Council was in session, and it made a great impression upon + the assembled prelates and assistants. Masses were offered for ten days + for the repose of the souls of Giovanni and Garzia, and devotions were + addressed to Heaven on behalf of the father who had—no one there for + a moment doubted—been the avenger of one son’s blood and the spiller + of the other’s. + </p> + <p> + Within two years Cosimo de’ Medici—ever pursued by an accusing + conscience and diverted only from suicide by indulging in every sensuality + within his power, executed an instrument of abdication of his sovereignty, + naming Don Francesco Regent of the Duchy, and retaining for himself no + more than the title of Duke of Florence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — <i>Three Murdered Princesses</i>—Lucrezia, + Duchess of Ferrara and Creole de’ Contrari — Eleanora Garzia, wife + of Piero de Medici, Alessandro Gaci, and Bernardino degl’ Antinori — + Isabella, Duchess of Bracciano — Troilo d’Orsini and Lelio Torello. + </h2> + <p> + “Shall I go in, or shall I not?” asked Isabella de’ Medici, Duchess of + Bracciano, with a catch in her voice. + </p> + <p> + Donna Lucrezia de’ Frescobaldi, her first Lady of Honour, made no reply, + but grasped her mistress’ arm convulsively. The two women stood pale and + trembling at the door of the Duke’s bedchamber, in their charming villa of + Cerreto Guidi, a few miles out of Florence. + </p> + <p> + There was something uncanny in the air, which caused the Duchess and her + lady instinctively to draw back. It was not the Duke’s voice, for that was + pitched in an unusually tender key, and yet, its very unusuality might + have caused their trepidation. There was something indefinable in the + situation, which produced apprehension and alarm. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless their nerves were overstrained by the terrible event at + Cafaggiuolo. Eleanora, the Duchess’s sister-in-law, had seen and felt the + cold steel dagger, struck out from behind the arras, by her husband’s hand—she + was dead! Every titled woman, and many another too, felt instinctively + that she was walking on dangerous ground: murder seemed to lurk + everywhere, and marriage appeared to spell assassination! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The remorse of Cosimo de’ Medici for the murder of his dearly-loved child + Maria, his first-born, did not hinder his policy of aggrandisement. He was + determined to keep the whip-hand over Ferrara, and to maintain the + precedence of his house over that of the Estensi. He had already + sacrificed one daughter, not only to his parental passion but to his + sovereign will, and one daughter still remained unbargained; he would use + her to hold what he had got. + </p> + <p> + Lucrezia was no more than twelve years old when Maria passed to Paradise. + Prince Alfonso was twenty-two, and his father, Duke Ercole II., had + apparently no fiancée in view for him, and the lad seemed not to be in a + marrying mood. At the moment Ferrara was isolated, but Cosimo, seizing a + favourable opportunity, through his relationship with the King of Spain, + contrived to arrange a treaty between that kingdom, Tuscany and Parma, + which he adroitly extended to include Ferrara. + </p> + <p> + It was a powerful combination, and Cosimo had his price, and that price + was the betrothal of Alfonso and Lucrezia. The Duke of Ferrara yielded, + and in the same month, March 1558, the treaty of alliance was signed at + Pisa, and the two young people were affianced there by proxy. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, there was trouble with Rome. Julius III., in 1552, had + bespoken Lucrezia for his bastard nephew, Fabiano Conte Del Monte—a + man without resources and of no recognised position nor of good character—it + was just a selfish whim of the Pope—the children never saw each + other. Cosimo, with his usual daring, brushed the whole project aside, and + made a liberal contribution to Peter’s Pence that year! + </p> + <p> + If Lucrezia was somewhat less fair and less clever than Maria, she was, + all the same, an attractive girl. Thin in figure—as all growing + girls—tall, well-formed, with the promise of a well-proportioned + maturity, she had an oval face and a high forehead, well-clustered with + curly auburn hair. There was a peculiarity about her eyes—black they + were or a very dark brown—they had something of that cast of optic + vision which was remarkable in Cosimo, “<i>Il Padre della Patria</i>” and + in Lorenzo, “<i>Il Magnifico</i>,” as well as in other members of the + family. + </p> + <p> + “She had a pretty mouth and a dimpled chin, and always wore a pleasing + expression indicative of good-nature and resolute affection. Very unlike + her elder sisters, Maria and Isabella, she was somewhat reserved in + manner; she spoke little, but expressed her opinion with flashes of her + eyes.” Her father admired her firmness of resolution greatly, and + generally spoke of her as “<i>La Mia Sodana</i>,” “my little strong-willed + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “She is quite a chip of the old block,” he was wont to say of her, “quite + one of us—a Medico in frocks!” Lucrezia shared the lessons of her + brother, and had been brought up specially with the idea of a brilliant + foreign marriage, and her maid was a girl from Modena who knew Ferrara + well. + </p> + <p> + One condition of the marriage-contract was most unusual—namely, that + the bridegroom should be free to leave Florence upon the third day after + the nuptials had been celebrated! This was necessary, the Prince averred, + in order that he might keep an appointment he had made, with his father’s + consent, with the King of France—the enemy of the quadruple + alliance! + </p> + <p> + Prince Alfonso troubled himself very little about his fiancée. He was + devoted to selfish pleasures, and, when his energies were called into + play, they were devoted to the service of arms. His betrothal to Maria de’ + Medici, without his consent, her untimely and suspicious death, and the + character Duke Cosimo bore for tyranny, ambition, and greed, were + undoubtedly deterrent to the young man’s wish to cultivate another Medici + alliance. + </p> + <p> + His own father, Duke Ercole, resembled his prospective father-in-law in + many respects. The Estensi, with the Malatesti of Rimini and Pesaro, the + Sforzai of Milan, and the Medici of Florence, were classed as “families of + tyrants.” Duke Ercole was a man of strong will and forceful action—a + tyrant in his own family and cruel to his unhappy consort—he could + not brook any disobedience to his behests. He commanded his son to set + forth at once from Ferrara and claim his bride in Florence. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by a glittering retinue, which included a dozen Lords of the + Supreme Council, Prince Alfonso took his way over the Apennines, along the + Bologna road. On 18th June the cavalcade was discerned from the heights of + Olivets, wending its way through Boccaccio’s country to the city walls. + </p> + <p> + He was received with great distinction by the Duke and Duchess, attended + by the whole Court; and his welcome by the citizens was very cordial. + Florentines always loved a spectacle. Everyone, however, remarked the + Prince’s haughty bearing, and the coldness with which he returned Cosimo’s + greeting. He bore himself as a man in presence of a foe whose every action + must be watched intently. The Duchess, with all her Spanish sensibility, + perceived at once the disfavour of their guest, and sought to interest him + in the scene around him and in the happiness in prospect. + </p> + <p> + Alfonso was quite unmoved. He met Lucrezia’s greeting with a cold + handshake, and begged that the marriage ceremonies might be hurried + forward, as “he had not much time to spare.” Cosimo joined in the Duchess’ + entreaties that the uncanny condition, in the marriage-contract, might be + observed in the breach. + </p> + <p> + “My word is pledged to the King of France,” he replied disdainfully, “and + go I must.” + </p> + <p> + Duke Ercole, in a letter delivered to Cosimo by Alfonso, urged the former + not in any way to dissuade his son from carrying out his intention. It was + common knowledge, however, in Ferrara, and reported by members of the + Prince’s retinue to the courtiers of Florence, that Henry II. of France + had made known to Duke Ercole his intention of repaying the three hundred + thousand gold ducats he owed Ferrara. A condition accompanied the + proposal, namely, that the Duke should withdraw from the alliance, and + despatch his son at once to Paris, to assure the <i>bona fides</i> of the + new arrangement. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, Henry hinted not only at the advisability of separating the too + youthful couple, and of giving the Prince military employment until his + young wife attained a more mature age; but suggested that some way should + be found, even at the eleventh hour, of allying Alfonso to a French + princess. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Alfonso claimed his Florentine bride, whilst Lucrezia + appears to have conceived an attachment for the warlike young Prince, who + caused a courier to inform his father that the Princess “seemed to like” + him. Duke Ercole replied as follows: “I am much pleased that your bride is + satisfied with you. I would rather have heard your own state of mind in + regard to the matter....” + </p> + <p> + Letters to the Duke from the chief members of the Prince’s suite assured + him that the Prince really fell in love with the Princess at first sight, + but there is no word of Alfonso’s extant which shows that he cared in the + least for the bride State policy had assigned for him. + </p> + <p> + Duchess Eleanora was exceedingly provoked by the young Prince’s demeanour + and his insistence upon the observance of the unnatural condition. + Moreover, she protested to the Duke her wish that the marriage might at + least be postponed, pointing out, with a woman’s intuition of trouble, + that no good could come out of such an uncanny arrangement. + </p> + <p> + She, of course, was Spanish, and she seems to have forgotten that French + blood flowed in Alfonso’s veins—his mother, Duchess Renata, or + Renea, being a daughter of Louis XII. Duke Ercole added to the trouble by + deeply wounding the Duchess’ susceptibilities with a suggestion that the + young bride should be sent to Ferrara, immediately after the nuptial + ceremony, under the care of chosen proxies for his son. + </p> + <p> + Haughtily she answered the Duke’s representative: “A married daughter of + the Medici, and of Spain, remains at her parents’ palace until her + husband, and no one else, takes her away.” + </p> + <p> + The day fixed for the marriage was 3rd July—a Sunday—and the + wedding Mass was celebrated in the private chapel of the Palazzo Pitti, by + the Bishop of Cortona. One hundred and one comely Florentine gentlewomen + formed a beauteous guard of honour for the bride, each arrayed splendidly + in silk brocade and covered with costly jewels. As many young nobles, with + the accompaniment of music and dancing, performed a gorgeous pageant of + Greeks, Indians and Florentines. In the Piazzo di Santa Maria Novella a + State exhibition of the popular Florentine game of <i>Il Calcio</i> + (football), was given by sixty of the best-looking and most noble youths, + attired in cloths of gold and silver. + </p> + <p> + The bride and bridegroom retired late at night to the Palazzo Medici in + the Via Larga, set in order for them, but, on the third day, Prince + Alfonso, as good as his word, set off for France! Don Francesco, + Lucrezia’s eldest brother, accompanied him as far as Scarperia, on the + Bologna road, and there bade him a not too friendly farewell. The young + man had made a very bad impression in Florence; he had kept himself + entirely to himself, and had gone through his part of the ceremonials like + a puppet. + </p> + <p> + Lucrezia moved like the fabled princess in a dream. Her eyes were wet with + weeping, and, although she restrained her emotion, her disappointment and + distress caused her silent and bitter suffering. Accustomed as she was to + obey implicitly the commands of her autocratic father, she knew that she + must submit to the harshness of her spouse, and make the best of a most + unfortunate and embarrassing situation. + </p> + <p> + Alfonso had forbidden her to write to him, but appointed a faithful + follower of his, Francesco da Susena, as confidential Chamberlain of the + youthful Princess. He was to provide funds and disburse them for the + expenses of the Princess, and to keep his master well posted in all that + transpired, and, in particular, to inform him of every word and action of + his forsaken girl-wife! + </p> + <p> + Ten days after the departure of the Prince from Florence, he wrote a + letter to Lucrezia, which he bade da Susena read, and then give her. The + Court was at Poggio a Caiano in <i>villeggiatura</i>, and the Chamberlain + was in the company. He gave the Princess her husband’s letter, and made + the following report to his master:— + </p> + <p> + “I was taken to the slope of a hill, where Her Highness the Princess was + walking with the Duchess Eleanora, who is always with her. I gave her the + letter, which she took greedily, with exceeding joy, and retired apart + with it. She read it over and over again, and then she questioned me about + your Highness.... I told her that she had no occasion to fear, for your + Highness would run no more risk than the king himself. She appeared much + comforted, and told me to beg your Highness, in her name, to hasten your + return to Florence.” Within six months of Lucrezia’s ill-fated marriage, + Duke Ercole died at Ferrara, and her husband succeeded as Alfonso II. The + life of Ercole and his Duchess Renata had been anything but happy. He was + as ambitious as he was unscrupulous: Lord of Modena and Reggio and Papal + Vicar of Ferrara, his possessions stretched from the Adriatic to the + Apennines. Extravagant and devoted to amusement, he spared neither time + nor money in the full enjoyment of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The Court of Ferrara became under him the most splendid Court in Europe—famous + for the excellence of its music and its dancing and the superiority of its + theatre—Carnival lasted from New Year’s Day to Ash Wednesday. + Duchess Renata never loved her husband nor his people. Until she fell + under the influence of Calvin she was discontented, passionate, and + bigoted. The Duke scouted her ill-humour and treated her cruelly. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Peu d’amys, qui conques est loing d’eulx</i>” was said of unhappy + Renata. She gave her disposition to her son, but he did not follow her + religious predilections. He enclosed her in a convent—the sanctuary + of princely widows and orphans—where she died in 1597. + </p> + <p> + Duke Alfonso sent to Florence for his consort early in 1560, but, true to + her determination, Duchess Eleanora required him to come for Lucrezia in + person! With perhaps less frigidity than he had exhibited the year before, + but with very little more friendliness, Alfonso made his second appearance + in Florence. He was accompanied by Cardinal de’ Medici, his brother-in-law—so + soon to come to a tragical and untimely end in the Maremma—and a + princely escort of two thousand five hundred horsemen. The young Duchess, + not yet sixteen, mounted upon a cream-white palfrey, rode out of the Porta + San Gallo, by the side of her husband. The day was gloomy and the purple + and white crocuses, which children scattered before her, betokened, so it + was said, disaster. + </p> + <p> + Anyhow, it was a sorrowful parting with her parents, and with Florence. + Never again was she destined to see them or it. The days of her childhood, + spent happily enough with her brothers and sisters, were over: the + fatigues and intrigues of a hostile Court were before her, and, already, + trouble had marked her young life with scars—more were to follow. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and Duchess entered Ferrara in full State, on 21st February, but + their reception was as cold as was the weather. The dynastic dispute, + whilst ostensibly healed at its head, still affected the limbs of the + Duchy. The people were, to a man, and perhaps to a woman, anti-Medicean, + and showed their disapproval of their Sovereign’s consort, by abstaining + from taking their share in the festivities. + </p> + <p> + One’s heart bleeds for this child-bride of seven months introduced + unguarded to the gayest, maddest, and most corrupt Court in Italy. Of the + Ferrarese it has been justly said: “By nature they are inclined only for + pleasure and revenge.” True enough, happiness and tragedy are close + partners in life’s story. No one loved Lucrezia de’ Medici in Ferrara—least + of all her husband. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the position may be succinctly stated—“the bride of three + nights was not <i>enceinte</i>! Had she only possessed the attributes of + coming motherhood, Lucrezia’s origin might have been condoned. But surely + it was foul cruelty which fixed the fault on her alone. As it was, the + poor young Duchess was accorded at her husband’s court the position of a ‘<i>Cosa + della lussuria</i>’—to be set aside as soon as the novelty had + passed away!” + </p> + <p> + The Duchess determined, possessed as she undoubtedly was, though so young, + of much of the force of character of her family, to put a good face upon + things. Her letters to her parents, written during the Carnival, are full + of pleasant details of her new life. She was enjoying, with girlish zest, + the gaieties around her, and entering fully into the merry prospects of + the Court masquerades. Whether her expressions are quite sincere, is, + perhaps, immaterial under the circumstances—she knew her father’s + disposition too well to make complaints. + </p> + <p> + The anniversary of her wedding came round to find her childless and devoid + of any prospect of issue. Duke Alfonso was far too much engaged in + politics and pleasure to give his due to his wife, who yearned in vain for + the fulfilment of the conjugal vow. Duchess Renata had her party at Court, + a party opposed, as she was, to anything and everything Florentine: her + son gave heed to her cautions, and thus the breach widened. + </p> + <p> + Alfonso’s long absences from home, and his disinclination for his wife’s + society, left Lucrezia to seek necessary consolations elsewhere. She did + not fail of admirers in that giddy Court: the wonder is that she + maintained her dignity as well as she did. The Duke became jealous, of + course, of his neglected wife—all faithless husbands are the same. + He paid spies to report to him the daily occupations of the Duchess, with + the names of her visitors and friends. Thus evil eyes and ears were + opened, and evil tongues began to wag, until they caused the utter undoing + of the innocent young Duchess. + </p> + <p> + Alfonso, in vain, tried to fix the lovers of his wife—she was as + tactful as they were prudent—but he was not without means to his + end. The Duchess early gave symptoms of ill-health. In Florence she was + the strongest of all her father’s family, but at Ferrara she became + delicate and a victim to incessant sickness. What could it be? + </p> + <p> + The Court physician hinted at pregnancy, but the Duke knew that was + impossible, so far as he was personally concerned, nevertheless it served + its purpose. The winter came on and the Duchess was confined to her + apartments in the palace, suffering from continual fever and nausea. + Maestro Brassavola—of good report as a specialist in feminine + ailments—treated her unsuccessfully. Unhappy Lucrezia—no + mother to console her, no friend to speak to her, all alone in the big + palace with unkindly attendants—nearly sobbed herself to death. + Daily bleedings and cuppings further diminished her strength. Some say + that Don Francesco, her brother, was urged, by his mother, to pay Lucrezia + a visit, but the bad terms upon which he stood with Duke Alfonso was an + effectual bar to his mission. Whether from craven fear or premeditated + cruelty, the Duke never entered the sick-room, and seemed entirely + indifferent to his poor young wife. Indeed, he continued his life of + prodigality and self-indulgence unrebuked, as we must suppose, by his + conscience. + </p> + <p> + At last the Duchess’ condition became so critical that the physicians + could no longer disguise the danger, and they intimated to the Duke the + approach of death. Then, and then only, Alfonso found his way to his + wife’s bedside. With a sorrowful, stricken face she greeted him + affectionately, and remorse seemed, at length, to have brought him to his + senses. He became the most tender of nurses and watched by his dying wife + day and night—but the <i>poison</i> had worked its cause! + </p> + <p> + At midnight, 21st April 1561, after months of cruel suffering, neglected, + affronted, and wronged, the innocent soul of poor young Lucrezia, Duchess + of Ferrara, passed into another world. She was not yet seventeen years old—in + bitter experience of life’s hardships she was seventy. At the autopsy of + her body Maestro Pasquali of Florence declared that death was caused by + putrid fever! Thus was the Duke’s duplicity preserved. + </p> + <p> + Funeral honours due to her rank were rendered, and her shrunken little + body was buried in the Estensi chapel of the convent church of Corpus + Domini. A marble slab before the high altar reads thus: + </p> + <p> + “<i>Lucretia de’ Medici—moglie di Alfonso II., Duca di Ferrara</i>”—and + that is all—as curt and as cruel as possible. The Duke’s show of + grief was as insincere and hypocritical as could be. He shut himself up in + his palace with a few chosen cronies for seven days; meanwhile sending off + Bishop Rossetto, a court chaplain, to Florence, to communicate the sad + tidings to Duke Cosimo and Duchess Eleanora. + </p> + <p> + Very soon after the death of Lucrezia the Marchese Creole de’ Contrari, a + prominent Ferrarese noble, was cast into prison upon an unstated charge, + but it was given out by his jailor, that he had aspired to the hand of an + Estensi princess. He was never seen alive again, for he was strangled in + Duke Alfonso’s presence—who caused his name to be vilely linked with + that of the poisoned Duchess! Cosimo and Eleanora made a show at least of + grief, and a splendid <i>Requiem</i> was sung for Lucrezia at the Medici + church of San Lorenzo. At the same time Cosimo made known, in most + heartless fashion to Alfonso that, whilst he was resigned to the will of + Heaven, he assured him of his sincere affection, and expressed a fervent + wish that nothing should loosen their bonds of true and solid friendship! + Devout Duchess Eleanora’s indifference is harder to explain than Duke + Cosimo’s nonchalance. Perhaps in her case evil associations had corrupted + good manners, or, more likely, the memory of her child Maria’s terrible + death compelled discretion in her dealings with her husband—“Tyrant + of tyrants.” It might be her turn next to feel that cold steel! + </p> + <p> + And what about Duke Alfonso? Well, very soon he forgot all about Lucrezia, + and found consolation, though actually he needed none, in a second + marriage. This union, however, led to the resurrection of the hatchet of + discord, which Cosimo and Ercole had agreed to bury underground. + </p> + <p> + The new Duchess was Barbara d’Austria, sister of the Archduchess Giovanna, + bride of Don Francesco, poor Lucrezia’s brother. A double wedding was + fixed at Trento in August 1565, but a fracas occurred at the church doors + between the Medici and Estensi suites for precedence. The two princely + couples were married separately by the Emperor Maximilian’s command, each + in the capital of the bridegroom’s dominions. Duke Alfonso died in in + 1597. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + One notable effect of the foreign marriages of the Medicean princes was + the settling of aliens, in considerable numbers, in Florence. With Clarice + and Alfonsina d’Orsini had come greedy Roman adventurers; with Margherita + and Giovanna d’Austria many enterprising Germans; self-seeking Spaniards + came with Eleanora de Toledo. + </p> + <p> + From one point of view this foreign immigration was advantageous—it + tended to revive the falling fortunes of Florentine commerce. On the other + hand aliens were introduced into prominent positions at the Court and in + the city, whose speculations robbed the citizens of their fame and + fortune. + </p> + <p> + In the suite of Duchess Eleanora de Toledo were several young relatives, + bound to her by ties of affection and looking to her for patronage and + advancement. The ranks of these dependants were constantly being recruited + by young people of noble birth, for whom the exceptional educational + advantages obtainable in Florence were strong attractions. + </p> + <p> + One of these was the Duchess’s niece and godchild—Donna Eleanora, + the daughter of her brother, Don Garzia de Toledo. Born in 1553 in Naples, + where her father kept his Court as Viceroy for the King of Spain, the + child lost her mother when she was only seven years old. The Duchess + Eleanora adopted her and sent to Naples for her, and little Eleanora de + Garzia was brought up with the children of Cosimo and Eleanora, and she + was regarded by them as their sister. + </p> + <p> + Upon the Duchess’ melancholy death in 1562, her daughter Isabella, Duchess + of Bracciano, acted the part of mother, young as she was, and only just + two years married. She had no child of her own, and, apparently, no + promise of one, anyhow by her husband; and the lively, pretty little + Spanish girl, nestling upon her knee, much consoled her in her + disappointment. + </p> + <p> + At fourteen, Eleanora de Garzia was, as Antonio Lapini has described her: + “Beautiful, elegant, gracious, kindly, charming, affable, and, above all, + possessed of two eyes rivalling the stars in brilliancy.” She was also a + clever girl, and her studies had been carried on in companionship with the + younger children of her aunt—Garzia, Ferdinando, and Piero. The + strictness of their control was loosened when the Duke became a widower, + and he does not seem to have done anything to guard the morals of his + young children. + </p> + <p> + The Court of Florence was not the place in which to rear, in ways of + obedience and steadiness, young boys and girls, and Eleanora and her + “brothers” were left pretty much to themselves, save for the indulgent + guardianship of their tutors and attendants. To be sure, Don Ferdinando + was sent off to Rome when he was fourteen, and was enrolled in the Sacred + College. Don Garzia’s tragic death in 1562 left Don Piero the sole + playmate of little Eleanora—a strange act of Providence. + </p> + <p> + Duke Cosimo was not quite inconsolable for the loss of his Spanish wife; + he had, during her lifetime, set an evil example in Florence for + libertinage and unchastity. Every good-looking girl, in city or at Court, + in one way or another, received his amorous attentions; and the halo which + surrounded his first acclamation as Duke, and which he earned well, be it + said, became dimmed by the execrations of many disgraced and suffering + households. Men and women saw the bad days of Duke Alessandro revived, and + Florence, after a temporary purgation, became once more the sink of + iniquity. + </p> + <p> + When the Duke laid aside, in 1564, his sovereignty, it was that he might + give reins to his passions, and, of the many girls he ruined, probably not + one he loved better or longer than Eleanora degli Albizzi. At Villa del + Castello he had his harem. This was the example Cosimo de’ Medici set his + wayward, precocious son Piero, and the lad followed it to his heart’s + content, until his escapades became so notorious, and raised up such a + storm of resentment amongst the citizens, that his father was forced to + intervene. + </p> + <p> + At fifteen, young Piero was sent off to Pisa and attached to the staff of + the Admiral of the Florentine fleet, Cavaliere Cesare Cavanglia. In + various encounters with Turkish galleons and the barques of buccaneers, + the young Medico proved himself no coward—indeed the Admiral + reported of him most favourably. Well for his fame had Piero remained + before the mast and upon the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + The lad was practically his own master, and the memories of Florentine + gallantries filled his mind with desires for their resumption. Two years + of naval-military discipline were quite enough for him, and he returned + home again. He found Donna Eleanora de Garzia a grown woman and a woman of + the world; an arrant flirt, like her protectress, the Duchess Isabella; + dividing her time between the Villa Poggio Baroncelli and his father’s + villa at Castello. + </p> + <p> + Rumours of illicit intercourse between her and the Grand Duke were current + all over Florence, and evil gossips at Court affirmed that the <i>liaison</i> + had been of long continuance, wherein, too, the Duchess Isabella was + herself implicated. Cosimo seems to have been conversant with the + tittle-tattle, and, fearing the evil effect it might have for all + concerned, determined to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and to + keep the scandal within the family. + </p> + <p> + His son Piero—who was walking closely in his father’s footsteps, and + leading a free and fast, wild life, heavily in debt and habitually + intoxicated, and the companion of loose women and gamesters—should + be his scapegoat. He would marry him to his cousin! At the beginning of + the negotiations Piero refused stoutly his father’s proposition, asserting + his intention not to marry. By dint of ample offers of enlarged pecuniary + emoluments and by tempting promises of exculpation from the consequences + of his lustful extravagances, Piero at last yielded an unwilling assent to + the betrothal. How far he was influenced by threats we can well imagine. + </p> + <p> + Piero de’ Medici and Eleonora de Garzia de Toledo were married in the + private chapel of the Pitti Palace on the morning of 21st April 1571. That + very night his young wife revealed the fact that she was <i>enceinte</i>, + and she named his father, Duke Cosimo, as her ravisher! The Prince was too + much taken up with his own pleasure to care very much about this + revelation: he would go his own way, and his wife might go hers—such + was the morality of the day! Still, this discovery was the first page in + the tragic history of beautiful Eleanora di Piero de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + Very shortly after the marriage Eleanora, who was then at Pisa, was + delivered of a child, whom, in the absence of her husband, she named + Cosimo—a significant nomenclature! She caused letters to be written + to the Grand Duke Francesco, her brother-in-law, to acquaint him with the + birth of the child, and to crave protection for <i>his father’s son</i>! + </p> + <p> + Following the unhappy example of Paolo d’Orsini and Isabella de’ Medici, + and being absolutely their own masters, Piero and Eleanora agreed to live + separate lives—he, a boy of seventeen and she just eighteen. What + more disastrous beginning can be imagined for two young wedded lives, and + yet it was inevitable. Piero did not care a bit for Eleanora, and Eleanora + hated and despised Piero. + </p> + <p> + The marriage was but a brief break in evil associations, for the boy + returned to his boon-companions in the city, and the girl sought the + solace of her lovers. It was in vain the Grand Duke pointed out the errors + of their ways—Piero retorted with a “<i>Tu quoque frater</i>!” He + had every bit as much right to console himself with a mistress, one or + more, as Francesco did with his “<i>Cosa Bianca</i>!” Moreover, he became + urgent in his demand for a still more liberal allowance, which the Grand + Duke weakly conceded—as he had done in the case of his other + grasping brother, the Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Everything and everybody at the Court of Florence seemed to be demented. + To enjoy the basest pleasures and to indulge in the foulest passions, such + was the way of the world; and Eleanora was but a child in years, but a + woman in experience—and that experience not for the honour of her + life, alas! Sinned against, she sinned like the rest. How could a lovely, + talented, warm-hearted girl, with the hot blood of Spanish passion + coursing through her veins, resist the admiration, the flattery, and the + embraces of the gay young cavaliers of the Court? She merely followed the + vogue, she was no recluse; and when, in 1575, she was enrolled as a “Soul” + in the <i>Accademia degli Elevati</i>, she assumed the name of “<i>Ardente</i>”—a + true title—a correct epithet! + </p> + <p> + One of the captains of the palace guard—himself a remarkably + handsome and gallant soldier—Francesco Gaci, had a prepossessing + young son, Alessandro, a cadet of the same regiment, who fell violently in + love with Don Piero’s fascinating young wife. Unable to restrain his + boyish ardour, one day he seized Donna Eleanora’s hand, covered it with + kisses, and professed himself ready to die for love of her. The Princess, + pining for love, looked with favour upon her infatuated lover, and granted + him something of what he wished. + </p> + <p> + Alas, for love’s young dream! The Grand Duke caught wind of it, and + without making much ado, promptly stopped the intrigue. Alessandro Gaci + was removed summarily from his commission and enclosed in the monastery of + Camaldoli; whilst to the Princess was administered a smart rebuke and + warning. + </p> + <p> + Eleanora’s haughty spirit rose at the interference of her brother-in-law + in matters of her heart, and she determined to act in opposition to his + commands. She had scarcely got off with the old love before she was on + with the new. This time she appears to have made the first advance. At all + events, in the entourage of the Grand Duchess Giovanna, was an attractive + and youthful knight of the Order of St Stephen of Pisa—Duke Cosimo’s + new naval-military order. He was a court chamberlain with the military + rank of lieutenant—Bernardino, the son of Messer Sebastiano degl’ + Antinori, who had translated Boccaccio’s works for Cosimo. + </p> + <p> + The young cavaliere had the misfortune to kill, quite accidentally, in a + friendly game of “<i>Calcio</i>,” a great friend of his—Francesco + de’ Ginori. The game was played in presence of Princess Eleanora and many + ladies of the Court. Bernardino wore Eleanora’s favours, as he usually + did, making no secret of his passion for Don Piero’s neglected, beauteous + wife, and of the return of his love by his fair <i>innamorata</i>—it + was indeed the talk of the town. + </p> + <p> + The Ginori, an ancient and lordly family, intimately connected with the + Medici, claimed satisfaction at the hands of the Grand Duke for what they + chose to call the assassination of their young relative. Francesco judged + that the <i>liaison</i> between his sister-in-law and the so-called + “assassin” required regulation, especially as she had failed to comply + with his previous admonition. The two offences would be best judged by the + banishment of the cavaliere, whose rank forbade his inclusion in a + monastery. Consequently Bernardino was sent off, under guard, to a + fortress in the Isle of Elba, and Princess Eleanora was confined, during + the Grand Duke’s pleasure, to her apartments in the Medici Palace. + </p> + <p> + The old tale that “love laughs at locks” had now one fresh telling! An + amorous correspondence began between the parted lovers, which was carried + on for a considerable time without detection. At last there came a day + when the secret was out, through the carelessness of Bernardino’s brother + Filippo, the intermediary in the love affair. Watching his opportunity of + dropping a letter into the hand of the Princess, as she passed through the + corridor connecting the Pitti and the Uffizi—just completed by Duke + Cosimo’s orders—Captain Filippo had the curiosity to read the <i>billet-doux</i> + himself. He failed to notice that a brother officer was standing close by, + who also glanced at the contents of the letter. + </p> + <p> + Captain Giulio Caccini was Master of Music and conductor of the palace + orchestra, and when he had a favourable opportunity he confided to his + master what he had seen—doubtless he considered himself well on + towards the receipt of a reward for his mean services. + </p> + <p> + Francesco was furious: he might, as Sovereign, have his love passages with + whom he willed—although be it said, truly, he had one and only one + love, Bianca Cappello Buonaventuri—but he could not tolerate any + amours between a princess of his house and a subaltern of his guard. + </p> + <p> + Captain Bernardino was ordered to be brought back to Florence immediately, + and, after a stormy interview with the Grand Duke, he was consigned to the + condemned-criminal dungeon of the Bargello. + </p> + <p> + The same night the prisoner’s cell was entered by a <i>Frate</i>—a + confessor, who acquainted him that he had been sentenced to death! + Expostulation was vain, and his asseverations of innocence and promises of + submission to the Grand Duke’s will were rudely interrupted by the + appearance of the headsman! Forced upon his knees, the unhappy young + officer mumbled out his confession, and then the executioner, passing a + stout cord about his throat, strangled him—struggling and crying out + piteously for mercy! + </p> + <p> + When Antinorio was dead, Francesco was informed, and, sending for + Eleanora, he told her what had become of her second lover, and warned her + that a like fate might easily be hers if Don Piero was made acquainted + with the intrigue—surely a fell prophecy of coming tragedy! Piero, + too, was sent for to the palace, and again reprimanded for his evil life + and for his cruel desertion of his charming young wife. He took his + brother’s words in an entirely wrong sense, abused him soundly for his + interference, and left his presence in a violent passion. + </p> + <p> + At once he caused an intimation to be made to the Princess that he wished + to see her about a matter which concerned them both intimately, and + required her to meet him out at the Villa di Cafaggiuolo. It was the 20th + of July, in the year 1576, that Eleanora received her husband’s commands—just + ten days after the brutal murder of her lover—during the course of + which she gave way to uncontrolled grief. This summons she knew presaged + dire consequences to herself, and she had no friend to seek for + consolation and advice. The Grand Duke was out of the question, and + Duchess Isabella d’Orsini, who had proved herself no friend of good omen, + was in a plight very much like her own! + </p> + <p> + No, she had to fight the battle of her life and death alone, this girl of + twenty-three. She replied that she was quite prepared to meet Piero, but + she asked for a short delay. She spent it in weeping by the cradle of her + little son, Cosimo, and arranging her worldly affairs—she was quite + prepared for the worst. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Florence in the middle of a hot summer’s day, the course to + Cafaggiuolo was trying to her horses—one indeed fell and died on the + way—an evil omen for poor Eleanora! As night was coming on she + reached the villa, more dead than alive with fright, and accompanied only + by two faithful ladies of her household. To their surprise the house + appeared to be deserted: there were no lights in the windows, and no one + seemed to be about. + </p> + <p> + The great doors were wide open, and with much trepidation the Princess + mounted the marble steps. The door of every room also was open and the + arras pulled aside, but nowhere could she see or hear her husband. Very + uncanny everything felt, the silence was almost suffocating, and the + darkness threw weird shadows athwart her and her companions. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance of the room, which she deemed to be Piero’s—they had + never cohabited there, or indeed anywhere, she knew not where he slept—Eleanora + paused, affrighted. She had heard a rustle! she had seen something! it was + a hand held beyond the arras!—and there was a poignard within its + grasp! + </p> + <p> + E’er she could cry out or take a step backwards, a sudden, savage blow + struck her breast—she fell!—stabbed to death! The hand was the + hand of Piero de’ Medici! + </p> + <p> + Eleanora was dead! Her life’s blood crimsoned, in a gory stream, the + marble lintel, and Piero gazed at the victim of his desertion, lust, and + hate—he was mad! + </p> + <p> + Kneeling upon his knees in the hellish darkness, he tried to stanch that + ruddy stream. Then he laved his hands in her hot blood and conveyed some + to his raging lips! Reason presently asserted herself; and, throwing + himself prostrate along the floor, he banged his head, thereupon calling + out in a frenzy of remorse for mercy for his deed! + </p> + <p> + “God of Heaven,” he pleaded, “judge between my wife and me—I vow + that I will do penance for my deed, and never wed again.” + </p> + <p> + The short summer’s night early gave place to the dawn—not rosy that + sad morning, but overcast—gloom was in everything. Piero was still + praying by his dead wife’s side when the tramp of footsteps upon the + gravel outside the house fell upon his ears. Swiftly he ran and closed the + entrance-doors, and then calling in a creature of his—a base-born <i>medico</i>—he + ordered him to make, there and then, an autopsy of the corpse, and report + according to his express instructions. + </p> + <p> + “Death from heart failure and the rupture of an artery,” such ran the + medical certificate of death! Miserable Eleanora di Piero de’ Medici was + buried ceremoniously in the family vault at San Lorenzo, and Piero made a + full confession to his brother, the Grand Duke. + </p> + <p> + Francesco counselled him to leave Florence at once, and seek a temporary + home at the Court of Madrid, where he might inform his kinsman by marriage—the + King of Spain—of the truth about Eleanora’s death. It was reported + at the time that Piero gained possession of Eleanora’s child, Cosimo, and + took him away with him from Florence; but what became of the unfortunate + little fellow no one ever knew—probably he went home to his mother + in Paradise just to be out of the way! + </p> + <p> + Don Piero was appointed by King Philip to a command in the war with + Portugal, but, whilst he distinguished himself by bravery and ability + during the campaign, on his return to Madrid he began the evil life he had + left behind in Florence. The religiously disposed courtiers were shocked + and outraged by his enormities, and, at last, the King requested his + unwelcome visitor to go back to Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke very unwillingly allowed Piero to settle once more in + Florence. His house in the Via Larga—it had been occupied by the + scapegrace assassin, Lorenzino—again was a nursery of immorality, as + well as the headquarters of the enemies of his brother. Piero became the + ally of the scheming Cardinal Ferdinando, but his depraved and evil life + was to the end given over to the basest uses of human nature, and he died + miserably, as he well deserved, in 1604, having outlived his second wife—Beatrice, + daughter of the Spanish Duke of Meneses—two years. Of legitimate + offspring he left none, but there survived him eight natural children by + two Spanish nuns in the grand ducal convent of the Santa Assunta delle + Murate. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + After the death of Maria, his eldest daughter, Duke Cosimo centred his + paternal affection in his second daughter, Isabella Romola. She was born + in 1542, just a year younger than his eldest son, Francesco Maria. Her + Spanish name endeared her especially to the Duchess Eleanora, who built + many “<i>Castelli en España</i>” for her child. + </p> + <p> + The young Princess was a bonnie, precocious little girl. At her + christening it was said, greatly to his embarrassment, she kissed the + ascetic bishop who held her at the font; this was taken as an omen of her + success in the service of Prince Cupid! Brought up with her two sisters + and her brothers, Francesco and Giovanni, she very early gave evidence of + charming and peculiar talent. + </p> + <p> + Merry as a bird and playful as a kitten, the young girl was singing, + singing the livelong day, and dancing with the utmost grace and freedom. + She greatly astonished her parents by her musical gifts and by her talent + as an <i>improvvisatrice</i>. She composed, when only ten years of age, + some really excellent <i>canzone</i> and, more than this, she set them to + her own tunes for the lute and pipe, and arranged a very graceful ballet. + </p> + <p> + At Court, Isabella was now known as “<i>Bianca la Seconda</i>,” her + attainments and her person recalling those of Bianca, “the tall daughter” + of Piero and Lucrezia de’ Medici. She had, as well, a remarkable taste for + languages: she rivalled her sister Maria in Latin, which she wrote and + spoke with ease. Spanish seemed to come to her naturally, greatly to the + delight of her mother the Duchess, and French she acquired with similar + success. + </p> + <p> + With her facile pen she could design and draw what she willed, with as + great freedom as she applied to musical notation. Indeed, there seemed to + be no art in which she could not distinguish herself, and she received + encouragement from all the most famous artists of her father’s Court. One + of her panegyrists has written thus of Princess Isabella: “Suffice it to + say, that she was esteemed by all—strangers as well as those about + her—a perfect casket of virtue and knowledge. She was greatly + beloved, not only by her parents, but by the whole of the people of + Florence.” + </p> + <p> + Added to her mental accomplishments, which developed with her physical + growth, the Princess exhibited all the charm of a beautiful face and + graceful figure, and, when she reached the ripe age,—for Florence,—of + twelve, she was the most lovely and attractive young girl in Italy. + Reports of her beauty and talent were current in all the Courts of Europe, + and many princely fathers of eligible sons made inquiries about her + fortune; whilst many an amorous young Prince found his way to Florence, to + judge for himself of the charms of the fair young girl. + </p> + <p> + Duke Cosimo was not the man to give his comely daughter away at random: + indeed he cherished the thought of keeping her in Florence and by his + side, so courtly refusals of proffered hands, and hearts, and crowns, were + dealt out to one and all the suitors. Pope Paul IV., who was on the best + of terms with Duke Cosimo, and never forgot what he owed in his elevation + to the Papal throne to his friend’s influence, conceived a matrimonial + project for youthful Isabella. At his Court was a young man of illustrious + descent, good attainments, the heir to vast possessions, and a devoted + adherent of the Holy See—Paolo Giordano d’Orsini. + </p> + <p> + The Orsini were split up into many branches, but the family was one of the + most ancient and honourable in Rome. Signore Girolamo d’Orsini, father of + Paolo Giordano, was lord of Bracciano and Anguillaria, and of the country + around Civita Vecchia. When only twelve years old, he had been named by + Pope Leo X. to the honorary command of a Papal regiment of cavalry. When + still in his teens the youth served with distinction in France and in the + Neapolitan war; and, on attaining his majority, he was sent with a + detachment of troops to the assistance of the Emperor Charles V., in the + devastating war against the Turks in Hungary. + </p> + <p> + Created General and Marquis by the Emperor, the young commander returned + to Rome in 1537, and took up his position as the acknowledged head of his + family. He married Francesca, daughter of Bosso Sforza, heiress of the + Counts of Anguillaria. Three sons and a daughter were born to them. + </p> + <p> + Paolo Giordano, born 1539, was adopted by his maternal uncle, Carlo, + Cardinal Sforza da Santa Fiora, and became a protégé of Paul IV. Following + his father’s profession of arms, he saw military service in Spain, but was + recalled to Rome by the death of both his parents. On succession to the + family estates the Pope created the Lordship of Bracciano a Duchy, and + sent a message to Duke Cosimo, commending the young soldier to his notice, + and suggesting a matrimonial alliance with one of his daughters. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo looked with favour upon the Pope’s proposition, and asked the young + Duke to pay the Florentine Court a visit. The young people seemed made for + one another: he was handsome, brave and rich, she was beautiful, talented, + and lovable. Perhaps it was a case of love at first sight, anyhow they + were betrothed in 1555, with the proviso that the nuptial knot should not + be tied until Isabella had attained her sixteenth year. + </p> + <p> + In due course the marriage-contract was drawn up, signed and sealed, but + it contained a condition which was as unnatural as it was impolitic. Duke + Cosimo insisted that his dearly-beloved daughter should make his house her + home for at least six months each year, and only pay occasional visits to + her husband’s palace in Rome! Duke Paolo, quite rightly, resented this + questionable arrangement, and only agreed at last on pressure from the + Pope. + </p> + <p> + Whatever made Cosimo take such a weird course no one can really say, + although horrible rumours were indeed rife in Florence about the relations + between father and child! It was, however, a fatal bar to all marital + happiness, and led to the one and only possible <i>dénouement</i>—tragedy. + Certainly the Duke bestowed upon the young couple the splendid estate and + villa of the Baroncelli, which had come into his hands, and which he + enlarged and surrounded with a park. He added a munificent endowment and + had the villa refurnished and redecorated throughout, according to his + son-in-law’s wishes. + </p> + <p> + The marriage was celebrated on 3rd September 1558 in the private chapel of + the Pitti Palace,—a Saturday, always considered, in Florence, an + unlucky day for a wedding,—a few months after that of Prince Alfonso + d’Este’s to Isabella’s younger sister—Lucrezia. After a brief + honeymoon spent at their villa the youthful bride and bridegroom separated—an + ominous repetition of a fateful error. Truth to tell, Duke Paolo took an + intense dislike to his father-in-law: he distrusted him both in relation + to his affection for Isabella, and also with respect to his tyrannical + character generally. Florence also and the Florentines were distasteful in + their excesses of ill-living, cruelty, and chicanery—not that the + Court of Rome was a Paradise, or the young man a St Anthony! + </p> + <p> + The Duke went back to Rome and resumed his ordinary life there, without + bearing with him any of the wholesome leaven of matrimony—a husband + in name, and little more. Duchess Isabella, a mere child, wanton and + wilful more than most, was thus left the uncontrolled mistress of a + princely establishment, with no marital check to regulate her conduct. + Surely as unstable a condition, and as conducive to infidelity, as can + well be imagined. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving his wife at Poggio Baroncelli, Duke Paolo appointed her + household, and made every provision for her comfort. A cousin of his, + Cavaliere Troilo d’Orsini, was placed in charge of the Duchess as + Chamberlain, or quasi-guardian—another false step, and embarrassing + for all parties. He was a handsome and accomplished man, avowedly + unmarried, young and of a sympathetic disposition, and manifestly not at + all the sort of person to place upon terms of such close relationship with + the attractive young Duchess. + </p> + <p> + Under its fascinating <i>Castellana</i> the Baroncelli villa became a busy + little Court, the scene of constant festivities, gossip, and intrigue. Her + mother’s Court at the Pitti was quite second in attractiveness. Duchess + Eleanora if virtuous and conscientious, was rather dull and uninteresting. + She cared much more for her Spanish connections than for her Florentine + courtiers: much of her time she spent in the Cappella degli Spagnioli at + Santa Maria Novella. What time she spared from her devotions she occupied + in the establishment and patronage of the <i>Accademia degli Elevati</i>—“Souls,” + for the encouragement of poetry. + </p> + <p> + Duchess Isabella d’Orsini was hailed as “<i>La Nuova Saffo</i>” by those + who gathered round her. She was by nature an arrant flirt—as most + pretty women are—for she inherited her father’s amorous disposition; + and she was impulsive,—an added charm where beauty reigns,—worldly-minded, + and dreadfully extravagant; moreover, she dressed to perfection. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Bracciano paid rare visits to Florence, but the Duchess, in + compliance with her marriage-contract, spent a portion of each year with + her husband in Rome. These visits were not occasions of happiness and + satisfaction. The two had scarcely any interests in common, and the + infrequency of intercourse entailed unfamiliarity and embarrassment. The + good-byes were never unwelcome on either side! + </p> + <p> + The Duke took up, once more, his military duties, following in the + footsteps of his father as commander, in 1566, of a division of the + Imperial army against the Turks. For his bravery at the battle of Lepanto, + he was made Field-Marshal of the Emperor and a Count of the Holy Roman + Empire. In other respects he had his consolations for his enforced + separation from his wife—and Isabella, naturally, had hers too! + </p> + <p> + It was said that every man fell in love with her, and she, on her part, + did not restrain her passion. There was no one to advise, no one to check, + no one to help her to keep in the path of wifely fidelity. Reports of <i>liaisons</i> + were made to the Duke by his Chamberlain from time to time, but these were + couched in words which concealed his own part therein. He and the Duchess + were accustomed to be much alone together. He was a musician and a + linguist, a scholar and an artist like herself, and a most attractive + companion. She helped him in his great literary work—<i>Lezione + della Lingua Toscana</i>—perhaps the only serious occupation she + ever undertook. + </p> + <p> + An intimacy, with such a similarity of tastes, ripened naturally into a + romantic attachment—certainly quite in accord with the tenets of + Platonic humanism, and perhaps something more! That Duke Paolo was + conversant with the relations of his wife with his cousin was well known, + but he made no complaint, and took no action to check them. Likely enough + he had that “easy-going contempt of everything and everybody” which + Niccolo Macchiavelli has stigmatised as the prevailing tone of Italian + society. + </p> + <p> + Probably the sad deaths of Princess Maria and Duchess Lucrezia d’Este, and + the tragic events in the Maremma of 1562, affected Isabella greatly, but + they only tended to increase her husband’s detestation for everything + Florentine. No doubt he judged that Cosimo’s hand slew both Maria and + Garzia—might it not strike Isabella or himself! When a man, in an + autocratic position such as that made by Cosimo I., yields to unguarded + passion, reason and right alike are at a discount. Isabella’s husband had + taken the measure of her father—alas, that he was destined to follow + his example! + </p> + <p> + For Isabella a new interest was created when, in 1564, Bianca Buonaventuri + became “<i>La cosa di Francesco</i>,”—her brother. She, so to speak, + clasped the lovely young Venetian to her bosom. She entered into the + romance of the elopement, and of her brother’s infatuation, with all her + heart. Isabella de’ Medici and Bianca Cappello-Buonaventuri became + inseparable friends. + </p> + <p> + During Duchess Eleanora’s life the gaieties and the follies of the court + had been kept within something like bounds, but she had hardly been laid + in her tomb within San Lorenzo than Duke Cosimo gave reins to his + passions, and the Palazzo Pitti and the various Medicean villas became the + scenes of unbridled lust and depravity. In 1564 the Duke deputed most of + his sovereign power to his son Francesco, who became Regent and virtual + ruler of Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + The grave scandals which distracted Florentine society began to raise up + in the minds of the people violent antipathy for a Sovereign whose private + example was so abominable, and whose discharge of public duties was so + basely marked by turpitude. A revolution of a drastic description seemed + to be inevitable, and, really, Cosimo had no other course than abdication. + </p> + <p> + The Florentine rendering and observance of Platonism favoured illicit + connections between the sexes. The palaces of the nobles and of the + wealthy merchants were nothing more or less than harems. The manners and + traditions of the Orient took root, not only in Florence, but in all the + other Italian States, and the normal strictness and restrictions of lawful + married life had everywhere all but disappeared. Every household, not only + of the noble but also of the middle class, had among its number a <i>cicisbeo</i>, + or two or more,—“unofficial wives”—we may call them, possessed + of almost equal rights and position as the lawful spouses. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The great event of the year 1562 was the marriage of Prince Francesco and + the Archduchess Giovanna d’Austria. Quite certainly the Duke and Duchess + of Bracciano were among the notable personages present at the nuptials. + Indeed that year the Duke spent more of his time than usual in Florence, + and was very busy buying and rebuilding the Villa Cerreto Guidi, and + laying out the park and gardens—the former for the pursuit of + deer-hunting, the latter by way of rivalry to Pratolino—Francesco + and Bianca’s plaisance. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchess Giovanna was something like her predecessor, Duchess + Eleanora, a serious-minded sort of woman, with no pretensions to beauty or + ability, not at all the sort of sovereign for that gay and dissolute + court. The <i>beau monde</i> took themselves off to the Orte Oricellari—to + pay their devotions to the lovely Venetian mistress of their Sovereign; + and to Poggio Baroncelli—where Duchess Isabella reigned as queen of + fashion and frivolity. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo and Cammilla de’ Martelli—whom he married secretly and took + away to his favourite Villa del Castello—lived in strict retreat, + rarely came into Florence, and kept no sort of state. At the same time two + sons of his were sources of keen anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinando, born 1549, was now wearing the Cardinal’s red hat, which + hapless young Garzia’s hunting-knife had caused to fall from his brother + Giovanni’s head in the Maremma. Ambitious, jealous, but, perhaps, less + depraved than his father, the Cardinal de’ Medici made no secret of his + dislike of his brother Francesco and his <i>innamorata</i>, Bianca + Buonaventuri. He became a thorn in his father’s and brother’s sides on + account of his extortionate and presumptuous demands. His young stepmother—only + two years his senior—favoured his pretensions, and so brought + trouble upon herself, as we shall see later on. + </p> + <p> + Piero, Cosimo’s youngest legitimate son, was but a boy of fourteen when + his father married his second wife. Of course she was far too young and + inexperienced to be of any use in guiding his growth and tastes. + </p> + <p> + The Court was thus divided: the two parties were headed respectively by + the Grand Duchess Giovanna, the titular Grand Duchess-dowager,—so to + call Cammilla,—with the Cardinal de’ Medici; and by Bianca Cappello + di Pietro Buonaventuri and Duchess Isabella of Bracciano. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the latter coterie, its influence was vastly augmented by + the assassination of Pietro Buonaventuri in 1572. Duchess Isabella gave + her whole heart’s support to the beauteous young widow. She wrote to her + the most affectionate letters, in one of which, if not in more, she says + she loves Bianca “more than sister,” and bids her retain her position as + “the loving helper of my brother.” + </p> + <p> + Bianca heartily returned her “more than a sister’s” affection, and she + repeatedly spoke of Duchess Isabella in her letters to her cousins in + Venice. “I had,” she says, for example, on 17th July 1574, “the + illustrious Domina Isabella to dine with me in my garden, and with her + came my good friends her brother Don Piero and his young wife....” + Beautiful, accomplished, and light-hearted, Isabella and Bianca were the + dearest and most constant of companions. They lived apparently only for + admiration and adulation, but the Duchess’ position was infinitely more + free and unconventional than that of the Venetian: the latter lived for + one man’s love alone—Francesco—Isabella dispensed her favours + where she willed! + </p> + <p> + Duke Paolo grew suspicious of his wife’s liberty of action. His protests, + at first couched in deprecatory language, were met with girlish <i>insouciance</i>; + but, when he began to complain arrogantly, Isabella replied with spirit + and determination. His jealous reprimands were met by like charges and, + truth to tell, there was not a pin to choose between the two. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke Cosimo before his death in 1574, and the Grand Duke + Francesco, were alike irritated by Bracciano’s cool, calculating conduct; + and both upheld Isabella against her husband’s ill-humour and harsh + judgments. Duke Paolo, however, kept his own counsel, and by means of + spies discovered that Troilo d’Orsini’s monthly reports were at least open + to doubt as to their truthfulness with respect to his wife’s conduct in + private. Matters, however, drifted—he was too intent upon his own + affairs in Rome and elsewhere to disturb rudely the state of things at + Poggio Baroncelli. + </p> + <p> + His suspicions at length were brusquely confirmed, and the uneasy peace of + evil deeds was broken by portentous news from Florence. A courier in his + pay arrived one evening, in July 1576, breathless, at the Bracciano + Palace, with the intelligence that the trusty chamberlain had stabbed to + the heart an attractive young page, Lelio Torello, attached to the + household of the Grand Duke; and had, moreover, at once taken flight + precipitately from the Villa! + </p> + <p> + Bracciano knew exactly what this purported—young Torello was a lover + of his wife as well as Troilo d’Orsini! Without a moment’s delay, he + started off for Florence to tax the Duchess with unfaithfulness. At the + Porta Romana he was staggered by the news which greeted him—Piero + de’ Medici had killed his wife, Eleanora de Garzia de Toledo, at + Cafaggiuolo! + </p> + <p> + He tarried not to pay his respects to the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess at + the Palazzo Pitti hard by, but galloped off post-haste to his wife’s + villa, and, unannounced, surprised Isabella in the midst of preparations + for a sudden journey! If, as some maintained, she meant to follow her + fleeing lover, Troilo, at all events she was determined to seek the Court + of France, and throw herself upon the sympathy of Queen Caterina, her + kinswoman, and crave her protection for herself and her babe! + </p> + <p> + Several letters had already passed between the two illustrious women. + Isabella, on her part, says: “I have asked pardon of God for my sins, and + have resolved to let things take their course”; but she implores Catherine + to protect her little son. In the last of these letters she writes:—“Let + your Majesty think of this letter as the last words of a person bound to + you by the ties of blood, and consider them as the confidence of one who + is about to die, resigned and repentant, who otherwise could only end her + life in despair and desperation.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke judged his wife guilty, before she had offered any explanation of + the tragic doings at the Villa, and his impulse was to dishonour her + before her whole household. The spirit of duplicity, which had haunted + their married life, during eighteen random years of misunderstanding, + distaste and estrangement, still ruled them both—but Bracciano + restrained his passion for a while. + </p> + <p> + He noted the preparations for hasty flight—indicative of Isabella’s + guilt—but, what more than all else enraged him almost beyond the + power of self-control, was the cry of an infant within Isabella’s + apartments! That child was not his. Whose was it? + </p> + <p> + Isabella met her husband perfectly unabashed, and, if she expected an + immediate explosion, she was agreeably though somewhat misgivingly + surprised at his cordial greeting. He asked her where she was going, and + suggested that they should go away together. Isabella of course + prevaricated—truth is a negative quality between those who doubt + each other! Then, to her great surprise, Bracciano began to express + himself in terms at once tender and apologetic. + </p> + <p> + “The faults, and faults there are, have been all on my side,” he said, + “but I wish to alter all this and begin a new course, happy, and + well-regulated. I suggest that bygones be bygones, and that we mutually + agree to bury the past. Let us, Isabella, begin an entirely new course of + life and live henceforth only for each other.” His fair words were matched + by the mild expression he contrived to put into his face, and, although + the Duchess distrusted them, or at least her sense of hearing, she met his + advances handsomely. + </p> + <p> + The day passed over pleasantly, the <i>rapprochement</i> seemed to be real + and sincere, and when the Duke invited her to accompany him upon a hunting + expedition to Cerreto Guidi, on the morrow, his wife expressed her + pleasure and acquiescence. He himself set off early in the day, it was + 10th July, and he asked Isabella to follow with her maidens leisurely. + </p> + <p> + Whether from innate distrustfulness, or presage of coming evil, the + Duchess put off her journey till quite late, and only arrived there as + night was coming on. At the entrance to the Villa the Duke met her, + holding in a leash two splendid hare-hounds, which he begged her to accept + and use on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The dinner-party was numerous and merry, but not one of the company was + gayer than the host. Isabella sat beside him, and he offered her many + lover-like attentions. Everybody remarked these excellent and unusual + relations between the Duke and Duchess, and wondered greatly thereat. + After a very pleasant musical evening the company separated for the night, + and the Duke, passing into his own bedchamber, invited his wife to enter + with him. + </p> + <p> + Was it instinct or was it second sight, which caused Isabella’s steps to + falter on the threshold? She trembled as her husband held aside the arras, + turned deadly pale, and, retreating for a moment, she whispered to her + lady-in-waiting, Donna Lucrezia de’ Frescobaldi—“Shall I enter, or + shall I not?” Bracciano’s voice again was raised in gentle persuasiveness, + and taking her by her hand, clammy cold as it was, he asked her, + laughingly, why she held back. + </p> + <p> + She bade Donna Lucrezia good-night very tremulously, and then the curtain + fell, and Isabella was alone with her lord. The room was in its usual + state, but truth to tell, she had not lain there for many a long night, + and, as the Duke continued to talk affectionately, and to prepare for bed, + she began to feel less alarm. Without more ado she flung herself into a + deep lounging-chair and began to meditate and to chatter. + </p> + <p> + Seating himself by her side, Bracciano began to caress her hands and to + fondle her in his arms, and when he noted that she had given herself + entirely to his will and pleasure, as an amorous, faithful wife once more, + he swiftly reached down for a <i>corda di collo</i>—a horse’s halter—which + he had placed behind the chair. Implanting an impassioned kiss upon those + lovely lips, which had so long yearned for a husband’s embrace, he + adroitly threw the rope round his wife’s neck, and pulling it taut in a + wild access of rage, he strangled her—holding on until her struggles + ceased! + </p> + <p> + Then he cast her fair body from him, and spurned it with his foot, as + though it had been some foul and loathsome thing. Thus perished, in her + thirty-sixth year, Isabella de’ Medici, wife of Paolo Giordano d’Orsini—as + sinful as she was lovely, but much more sinned against than sinning after + all. + </p> + <p> + Before the dawn of day the Duke, accompanied by one attendant only, rode + into Florence, and left at the Palazzo Pitti a heartless message for the + Grand Duke, requesting him to despatch the brethren of the <i>Misericordia</i> + to Cerreto Guidi, where was “something which required their attention”—then + he continued his course straight on to Rome. + </p> + <p> + Florence was aghast at this horror, but the Grand Duke Francesco kept his + own counsel, and no pursuit followed the murderer. An official + announcement was made to the effect that “The Duchess of Bracciano died in + a fit of apoplexy.” This nobody for a moment believed: whether her brother + was privy to the deed is perhaps open to doubt, for he and Isabella were + devoted to one another. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that it was due to Bianca Buonaventuri’s persuasion that + the Grand Duke took no steps to vindicate his sister’s honour or + dishonour. The punishment of assassins mostly leads to further + assassinations, and the “<i>La cosa di Francesco</i>” had reason to fear + for her own life, seeing that her husband and her two dearest friends in + Florence had been done brutally to death. + </p> + <p> + What became of the child, whose cries the Duke of Bracciano had heard, at + Villa Poggio Baroncelli, no one seems to have recorded, nor are there any + statements extant as to who his father actually was—a boy he was + anyhow, and, though his name is uncertain, he was spoken of by the Duchess + as “<i>il mio becchino</i>,” “my little kid.” + </p> + <p> + We may father him as we like—and at least three claimants for that + honour are known—Troilo d’Orsini, the Duke’s cousin and the Duchess’ + companion; Lelio Torello, the comely young <i>Calcio</i> player, and the + favourite page of the Grand Duke Francesco; and, be it said in terms of + doubt and horror, the Grand Duke Cosimo! If the latter, then this + “Tragedy” is the culmination of all the abominable orgies which have + blackened the character of the greatest tyrant and monster of his epoch! + </p> + <p> + Another story affects the career of the Chamberlain Troilo d’Orsini. He + sought sanctuary in France and was befriended by Queen Catherine, to whom + his mistress, the unhappy Duchess of Bracciano, had commended “the little + kid.” Whether he accepted the rôle of father to save the fame of the + defunct Grand Duke is not known, but the unfortunate, if guilty, fugitive + was stabbed in the streets of Paris by bravoes sent after him in the pay + of the Duke of Bracciano. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — <i>True and False Lovers</i> — Francesco, “<i>Il + Virtuoso</i>” — Bianca Cappello, “<i>La Figlia di Venezia</i>” + — Pietro Buonaventuri — Cassandra de’Borghiani — + Pellegrina Buonaventuri, wife of Ulisse Bentivoglio — Antonio + Riario. + </h2> + <p> + “We’ll have none of her among our dead!” + </p> + <p> + These were the brutal words of Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici, at the + villa of Poggio a Caiano on the morning of 21st October 1587. They formed + the curt reply his Eminence vouchsafed to Bishop Abbioso of Ravenna, “her” + confessor. + </p> + <p> + The bishop, looking to favours from Ferdinando, who succeeded Francesco as + third Grand Duke of Tuscany, sent overnight, the following message to his + new Sovereign: + </p> + <p> + “This moment at 8 p.m. Her Most Serene Highness the Grand Duchess passed + to another life. The present messenger awaits your Highness’ orders as to + the disposal of the body.” + </p> + <p> + “The body!” + </p> + <p> + Yes, it was “the body” of as loving a woman as ever lived in Florence. She + had been the most faithful of wives, the most attractive of consorts, and + one of the most generous of benefactresses. It was “the body” of as + unselfish a sister-in-law as any man, high or low, ever had, who strove + her utmost to propitiate, screen, and honour the self-seeking brother of + her husband. It was “the body” of Bianca Cappello! + </p> + <p> + Ferdinando had, for years, plotted her death, and now he had accomplished + his dastardly design—a design which also made him the murderer of + his brother, Francesco de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, the double tragedy was adjudged no tragedy by such as waited + for favours from the coming ruler, and the mysteriously sudden deaths of + Francesco de’ Medici and his wife Bianca were assigned to natural causes + by well-paid dependants upon Ferdinando’s bounty and favour. The + bloodguiltiness of fratricidal Ferdinando was well whitewashed by his + courtiers, and historians have painted him in colours that ill befit his + character. So is history written ofttimes and again. + </p> + <p> + Pope Sixtus VI. had all the gruesome circumstances placed before him, and + whilst he was too weak or too cunning—it matters not which—to + charge the princely murderer with his deeds, he tacitly accepted the + finding of his commission of inquiry:—“Ferdinando de’ Medici, + Cardinal-Priest of San Giorgio, Grand Duke of Tuscany, poisoned his + brother and his sister at Poggio a Caiano.” + </p> + <p> + Now must the story be told, gathered out of records, more or less reliable—more + or less biassed. It is a story which brings a blush to the cheek and a + lump in the throat, and calls forth feelings of detestation for the + murderer. At the same time it is a thrilling story of a love stronger than + death. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Late one dark night, in November 1563, a gondola shot out from the deep + shadow of the church of Sant’ Appolinare, upon the Rio della Canonica, in + Venice, dipped under the Ponte del Storto, and sped its way, swiftly + propelled by two stalwart boatmen. + </p> + <p> + There was little use to cry out “<i>Leï</i>” or “<i>Stali</i>,” for no + other craft was afloat at that hour, and the gondola was unimpeded in its + course. Crossing the Grand Canal the helmsman made for the Guidecca, and + on past the Punta di Santa Maria, and on still, away across the wide and + silent lagune, right on to Fusina, on the mainland. + </p> + <p> + In the herse were two persons—a boy and a girl—fast clasped in + each other’s arms: she sobbing upon his breast, he comforting her with hot + kisses upon her lips. They were Pietro de’ Buonaventuri and Bianca de’ + Cappelli. The elopement was complete, and all Pietro’s manhood rose as he + held his sweetheart in a strong embrace: he would guard her with his life, + come what might. He knew they were safe from present pursuit, for to none + had he revealed his plans; but he also knew that a price would be set upon + their heads, and daggers dodge their course. Stepping lightly ashore with + his sweetheart, the young man paid his boatmen and bade them not hurry + back to Venice. Then the young couple took the road to Bologna, on their + way to Florence. They had very little money between them, but Bianca had + stuffed into her pocket her jewellery and Pietro had just received his + quarter’s salary. + </p> + <p> + At the Cappello mansion, on the morrow, was a scene of wild confusion. + Messer Bartolommeo Cappello was like a madman; he demanded his daughter at + the hand of her faithful maid, Maria del Longhi, and laid the matter at + once before the Supreme Council. On enquiry, Pietro Buonaventuri, who had + been for long Bianca’s most favoured admirer, was neither at the Salviati + bank, where he was occupied as a clerk, nor at his lodgings. + </p> + <p> + The daughter of a Venetian patrician gone off with a banker’s clerk! The + idea maddened the old man—he would trace them, and punish them, and + all who had assisted their flight. Messer Giovanni Battista Buonaventuri, + Pietro’s uncle, the manager of the bank; Bianca’s maid and her parents; + the two <i>gondolieri</i> and their wives; and ever so many others were + cast into prison. + </p> + <p> + No news came of the erring couple, and now they were well ahead of + pursuit. Two thousand ducats was the blood-money offered for Pietro, dead + or alive. Assassins bought for gold followed on the road to Florence, but + never caught up their quarry. Messer Bartolommeo’s vengeance knew no + bounds, and his new wife, Madonna Lucrezia de’ Grimani-Contarini fanned + the flames. She hated Bianca. + </p> + <p> + The winter sun had long ago set beyond the stone-pines of Monte Oliveto, + and the deep blue Tuscan sky had turned to sober slate, purpled with the + fading glow of northern crimson. It was a night near Christmas, and Ser + Zenobio Buonaventuri sat at his table, in his modest little one-storied + house on the Piazza San Marco, putting the finishing touches to his <i>précis</i> + of the day’s notarial work, in the Corte della Mercanzia. His worthy + spouse, Madonna Costanza’s weary fingers had just completed the stitching + of the last of twelve pairs of kid gloves, for her employers, of the Guild + of the Fur and Skin Merchants—the Salvetti, who were her relatives. + </p> + <p> + They had been talking, as was their wont, about their dashing, handsome + son Pietro, the pride of their hearts, who was away in Venice, a clerk + under his uncle, Giovanni Battista. They were a lonesome couple, and they + deplored their four years’ parting from their only boy. To be sure, he had + often, indeed regularly, written to them happy, contented letters. + Moreover, Messer Giovanni Battista had sent them very satisfactory reports + of his application to business, but he named one subject, which filled the + hearts of the doting parents with apprehension—it was, of course, a + story of romance. Pietro had a sweetheart—that in itself caused + little uneasiness; what healthy-minded young fellow had not! But Pietro + had an unusually amorous nature, and his love escapades had not been few + in Florence. In Venice, “the Court of Venus,” he revelled in the fair + beauty and the freedom of maidens, so much more lovely and so much less + reserved, than the Florentine girls he knew. But when Messer Giovanni + Battista named as his <i>innamorata</i> the young daughter of one of the + proudest patricians of the Serene Republic, the worthy couple were in + trepidation lest the lad’s passion should lead to regrettable + embarrassments. + </p> + <p> + No love was lost between the sister Republics, and the feeling of + hostility in public matters was carried into private life. Pietro never + named the romance, but Ser Zenobio, by way of meeting—as was his + wont—his troubles half way, penned anxious cautions to his son. The + Buonaventuri, though by no means an obscure family, were not <i>Grandi</i> + like the Cappelli, Lords of Venice. Moreover, Bianca’s father was a + wealthy man and a member of the Supreme Council, whilst Ser Zenobio was + merely a modest notary of no great fame or fortune. + </p> + <p> + It was bedtime, but hark! at the door were shuffling steps and voices + whispering; and presently there came a gentle tap—repeated once or + twice. Ser Zenobio rose to see what was passing outside his house. Peering + into the gloom he saw two figures—one a girl’s—and a voice he + knew full well said: + </p> + <p> + “Father, we have come to crave shelter and protection.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you? My boy Pietro! And what are you doing here in Florence, and + at this time of night?” + </p> + <p> + Madonna Costanza was peeping over his shoulder, and both of them were + greatly agitated, and awaited with anxiety Pietro’s reply. + </p> + <p> + “We have come from Venice and are very tired. See, father and mother, this + is Bianca.” + </p> + <p> + Sternly answered Ser Zenobio. “What do you mean, Pietro? What shame is + this you have done your parents? Who is Bianca, and what are you doing + with her in Florence? You never said you were coming home. Explain + yourself, or come not into your father’s house.” + </p> + <p> + Heavy rain was falling, and Bianca was weeping as Pietro led her into the + light of the candle his mother held. + </p> + <p> + “Let them come in anyhow, Zenobio, and we can hear what they have got to + say, without the neighbours hearing us,” put in the tender-hearted woman. + </p> + <p> + With that, Ser Zenobio gave his hand to Bianca and drew her and Pietro + within the door, and then, in sterner tones, he commanded his son to tell + what he had done. + </p> + <p> + Briefly Pietro recounted the story of his love and how Bianca returned it. + He spoke of Messer Bartolommeo’s harshness and of the unkindness of + Bianca’s stepmother, Madonna Lucrezia de’ Grimani-Contarini—the + Patriarch’s sister. He described their plight and the perils which + threatened them. But, when he went on to hint at Bianca’s condition, the + loving heart of Madonna Costanza melted towards the beauteous, weeping + girl, and she drew her to her bosom to embrace and comfort her. + </p> + <p> + Long and anxious vigil the four kept that winter’s night. The outcome of + their deliberations was the marriage of Pietro and Bianca, on 12th + December, privately, at Ser Zenobio’s, with the priestly blessing at San + Marco’s across the way. + </p> + <p> + It was deemed expedient that the young people should conceal themselves as + much as possible, in view of the extreme measures taken by the Serene + Republic. If caught, Pietro was to be slain and Bianca enclosed in a + convent. The abduction of a noble Venetian was a capital offence, and the + girl’s dowry was confiscated by the State. + </p> + <p> + Soon the news of the elopement ran through Florence and set everybody + talking. The reward of two thousand gold ducats was a tempting bait for + desperadoes and others in need of coin. Everybody wished to see the + beauteous Venetian and have a chat with bold Pietro, for, of course, no + Florentine blamed them! Who could? + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Don Francesco, Duke Cosimo’s eldest son, was in Bavaria making + believe-courtship with the Archduchess Joanne, the Emperor’s daughter, + when the gossip about Pietro and Bianca reached him. He, of course, knew + nothing of the Buonaventuri, nor of the Cappelli, but romance is romance + in every age and degree of human life! He determined on his return to + Florence to find out the amorous young couple and judge for himself of the + charms of the fair girl-bride. + </p> + <p> + Away back, in the grounds of the monastery of San Marco, was the + garden-casino of Cosimo, “<i>Padre della Patria</i>,” a delightful + retreat. Francesco received it as a gift from his father, and there he was + accustomed to entertain his friends and familiars. + </p> + <p> + Passing, on his way thither—as he often did, with a frolicsome party + of young bloods—the humble dwelling of the Buonaventuri, he chanced, + one day, to look up at a half-open window—the jalousies were thrown + back, and there, sitting at her needlework, was the very girl he sought! + </p> + <p> + There could be no manner of doubt who she was, no Florentine maiden was so + fair, and no eyes in Florence were so bright. Casually asking a member of + his suite whose house they were passing, Don Francesco tossed up his glove + at the girl and passed on. + </p> + <p> + Another person witnessed this love passage, the Marchesa Anna Mondragone, + wife of Francesco’s old governor and his chamberlain—she was on the + balcony of the house at the corner of the Piazza to make her usual curtsey + to the Prince. When the Marchese came home that night, he told his wife + that the Prince had seen Bianca Buonaventuri, and had enlisted his + services to obtain an interview with the lovely Venetian. + </p> + <p> + Nothing does a woman of the world love more than to be a go-between where + sentimental couples are concerned—be it for their weal or be it for + their woe—and so the Marchesa sympathetically addressed herself to + the diplomatic task of bringing the two young people together. She struck + up a passing acquaintance with Madonna Costanza, and upon the plea that + she wished for the opinion of her daughter-in-law upon the question of a + Venetian costume she was about to wear at a reception at the palace, asked + her to bring Bianca to the Mondragone mansion. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, a few days after the affair of the kid glove, the three women + were closeted in the Marchesa’s boudoir, where the Marchese joined them. + Calling off Bianca to look at some jewellery, she whisked her into another + room, and presently, leaving her absorbed in the beauty of the gems, + retired. + </p> + <p> + Bianca looked up, somewhat annoyed to find herself alone, and, as she did + so, she detected a slight movement behind the arras over the door. The + next moment it was raised, and there stepped into the apartment none other + than Don Francesco de’ Medici! + </p> + <p> + Bianca stood there, speechless and embarrassed, but the Prince, + approaching, took her hand in his, kissed it, and placed her beside him on + a couch. When she had recovered from her surprise, Bianca fell upon her + knees and, weeping, besought Francesco to befriend her and Pietro. Raising + her to the couch once more, he folded her in an impassioned embrace, and + promised his protection and what she would besides! + </p> + <p> + Very greatly moved was the young man by Bianca’s rare beauty of face and + form, and by the tenderness of her voice, and, perhaps more than all, by + the undoubting confidence she reposed in him. Bianca was such a very + different sort of girl to cold, unattractive and ill-educated Giovanna. + </p> + <p> + Immediate steps were taken to obtain the recension of the punitive decrees + of the Venetian Council, but they proved abortive, and nothing could be + done in Venice for Bianca and Pietro. In Florence Don Francesco could do + as he willed. His father, Cosimo, had already made over to him much of his + sovereign authority. + </p> + <p> + In July 1564, Bianca Buonaventuri became the mother of a little girl, to + whom the name Pellegrina—her own dear mother’s name—was given. + The days of convalescence quickly passed, and Francesco paid his <i>innamorata</i> + increasing court. Upon Pietro and Bianca he bestowed a charming palace, on + the Lung ‘Arno, and provided them with ample means to maintain themselves + and it. He appointed Pietro Keeper of his Wardrobe and Clerk of his Privy + Closet, on condition that his fascinating girl-wife should be regarded + pretty much as “<i>La cosa di Francesco</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The more the Prince saw of Bianca the stronger grew his passion. She was + perfectly irresistible. After the fashion of the day, he poured forth his + devotion in graceful madrigals—the first of which, began as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A rich and shining Gem hath Dame Nature + Taken out of Heaven’s treasury, and + Wrapping it in a lustrous human veil + Hath bestowed it on me, saying, ‘To thee + I give this beauteous Flora for thine own.’” + </pre> + <p> + Meanwhile preparations were going forward for the reception and marriage + of the Austrian Archduchess, who reached Florence on 16th November 1565. + Reports of her husband’s infatuation for Bianca Buonaventuri had of course + travelled to Vienna, and Giovanna had not long to wait for their + verification. She could not brook the fouling of the marriage-bed nor + permit the <i>liaison</i> to go on undenounced. + </p> + <p> + Francesco met her ill-humour with a frown. He pointed to the morals of her + father’s court, and to the Florentine cult of Platonism, and he bade her + mind her own business and not make troubles. Her appeals to Duke Cosimo + and to her brother the Emperor Maximilian were in vain. Francesco plainly + hinted that she might go back to Vienna if she liked, for nothing that she + could say or do would alter his admiration and his devotion for Bianca + Buonaventuri. The strictness of married life had long ago disappeared from + the conventions of Florentine society. Mutual relationships proved that + men might live as they pleased, so long as they did not renounce the + offspring, even when they were assured that it was not their own. The term + “<i>Partiti</i>”—“Sharers” or “Partners”— perhaps less + literally but more emphatically, “kindred souls,” was bestowed upon this + relationship. Still at no time was Francesco a sensuous man or a libertine + like his father. His devotionally-affected mother, Eleanora de Toledo, had + trained him in moral ways, and had called forth in him regard for religion + and sympathy for charitable objects. Possessed of great self-command and + reticence, he never betrayed himself in any way; passionate he was beyond + the ordinary, but never revengeful. He loved one woman, and only one, and + to her he proved himself faithful until death took them away together; but + she was not Giovanna, his political wife, she was Bianca, the wife of his + heart and mind. + </p> + <p> + Next to his love of Bianca was his love of money: no prince of his house + was ever half so wealthy or so sparing. Avarice came to him through the + rapacity of Giovanna’s German followers and through her own extravagance. + </p> + <p> + The year after his marriage, Bianca Buonaventuri was introduced at Court + as Bianca Cappello. The young Duchess of course was furious, and pointedly + refused all intercourse with her rival. Bianca, on the other hand, laid + herself out to propitiate the dour Austrian princess and to stifle + slander. Still a mere girl, she was in full command of all the moves in + woman’s strategy. There was no school like that of Venice for the display + of tact and fascination. To be sure, she was living in a crystal palace, + but she was perfectly ready to repair all damages. Bianca was severely + upon her guard, and her conduct was perfectly correct in every way. + </p> + <p> + Very rarely did young Cardinal Ferdinando visit Florence, but in 1569, + Cosimo, his father, sent for him, that he might embrace him before he + died, being, as he thought, on the point of death. At the magnificently + immoral Court of the Vatican he had heard the gossip about the lovely + Venetian girl who had so completely captured his brother Francesco. Quite + naturally, the by no means ascetic young ecclesiastic desired greatly to + see for himself the Venetian charmer, and he journeyed to Florence, bent + upon judging for himself. + </p> + <p> + Francesco greeted Ferdinando quite affectionately—there was no + reason why he should not—and unhesitatingly introduced him to + Bianca. At the impressionable age of twenty, the young Prince fell at once + under the spell of those bewitching eyes. Who could resist her? In the + fulness of her womanhood Bianca Buonaventuri was without rival among the + fair women of Florence, and the boy-Cardinal made, like all the rest, + impassioned love to her. + </p> + <p> + Back again in Rome and busy with his plans for the great Medici Palace in + the Eternal City he lost none of his admiration for his brother’s “Flora,” + till evil tongues began to wag around him. Was not he, Ferdinando, Don + Francesco’s heir-presumptive? Duchess Giovanna had given her husband none + but daughters; she, too, was in delicate health and might die without a + son being born. What then? Why, of course, Francesco would marry Bianca + Buonaventuri, and by her secure the succession. Whether he was destined + for the Papacy or not, the Grand Duchy was his by inheritance, and it + behoved him, they said, to guard his rights and further his expectations! + </p> + <p> + Ferdinando listened to this tittle-tattle and it caused ambitious distrust + of Francesco and Bianca. As heir-presumptive to a temporal sovereignty, he + began to surround himself with all the attributes and circumstances of his + position. His palace was regal in its magnificence, his entertainments + were upon a princely scale, and he assumed an overbearing demeanour in his + relations with Francesco. + </p> + <p> + Instigated by inveterate intriguers in his entourage, he quite + hypocritically affected to be shocked at his brother’s <i>liaison</i> with + Bianca, although he made no demur at his father’s relations with Eleanora + degli Albizzi, Cammilla de’ Martelli, and other <i>innamorate</i>. + Giovanna was only too delighted to have the invaluable assistance of the + young Cardinal in her campaign against “the hated Venetian.” At length he + took the bold step of expostulating with Francesco upon his intercourse + with the captivating rival of Giovanna. The Prince was furious, and warned + his brother never to name the subject again, and on no account to meddle + with his private affairs. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinando replied that he was quite content to abstain at a price. The + truth was, that his lavish extravagance had exhausted his revenue and + restricted his powers of borrowing, and he was in lack of funds for the + maintenance of his state in Rome. + </p> + <p> + In a weak moment Francesco gave heed to Ferdinando’s stipulations, and + provided him with funds and increased his family allowance. In gratitude, + the Cardinal threw into his brother’s teeth the fact of his position as + heir-presumptive, and insisted upon the purchase of a piece of land at the + confluence of the Pesa with the Arno. There he built his Villa Ambrogiana, + which became the seat of an anti-Francesco cabal and the headquarters of + an elaborate system of paid spies and toadies. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In September 1571, Francesco issued a decree which ennobled the family of + Bianca’s husband, and Ser Zenobio, unambitious, pottering notary that he + was, and Pietro, and all their male kith and kin, were enrolled “<i>inter + nobiles, inter agnationes et familias ceusetas et connumeratus.</i>” + Pietro was now a gentleman of Florence, and he at once assumed the airs of + such, as he conceived they should be, but his bad manners and his + arrogance brought upon him the contempt of the whole Court. + </p> + <p> + Francesco at first shielded his protégé, but his overbearing conduct and + his importunities at length alienated his regard, and he made no attempt + to conceal his displeasure. Bianca pleaded with her husband in vain, + success had turned his head, and now came “the parting of the ways.” + </p> + <p> + Pietro had consented that Bianca should be “<i>La cosa di Francesco</i>”; + he too would enjoy life, and he sought his compensation in the embraces of + the most attractive and most scheming flirt in Florence, Madonna + Cassandra, the wealthy widow of Messer Simone de’ Borghiani—born a + Riccio. Although well over thirty years of age, she was run after by all + the young gallants of the Court and city. Two already had been done to + death for love of her—mere boys—Pietro del Calca and Giovanni + de’ Cavalcanti. + </p> + <p> + Pietro Buonaventuri vowed he would marry her, but the Ricci would have + none of him; and he fell, one summer’s night, under the very windows of + his wife’s bedchamber, pierced with twenty-five savage dagger thrusts. + That same night—it was 27th August 1572—Madonna Cassandra was + stabbed, in her own apartment, also twenty-five times, and two stark, + mutilated corpses were mercifully borne away, in the dawn, by the brethren + of the <i>Misericordia</i>, and given burial. + </p> + <p> + Bianca, widowed, demanded at the hand of her princely lover justice for + the spilling of her husband’s blood; but, for answer, Francesco drew her + gently to his heart and said: “The best thing I can do now, my own Bianca, + is to make you, before long, Grand Duchess of Tuscany!” + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal was keenly interested in this tragedy, not indeed that he + took any part therein, but it had a distinct bearing upon his line of + conduct, and he noted with apprehension the redoubling of Francesco’s + devotion to “the hated Venetian.” + </p> + <p> + Bianca, of course, was perfectly aware that she was the real cause of + Ferdinando’s animosity, in spite of his protestations of admiration and + the like. She set about to unmask his real intentions and to circumvent + his hypocrisy. Her methods were at once original and full of tact, for she + disarmed his aggression by playing to his personal vanity and by + furthering his lust for money. + </p> + <p> + Not once, nor twice, but many times, did Bianca plead with Francesco for + his brother, and always with success, and many a substantial sum of money + was lodged in the Roman Medici bank at his disposal. Ferdinando began to + realise that the only way to his brother’s purse was by Bianca’s favour, + and he began to evince a distinctly amiable spirit in his relations with + her. + </p> + <p> + As marking the improvement in the situation, the Cardinal accepted an + invitation to a family gathering at Poggio a Caiano in the autumn of 1575. + The Grand Duchess Giovanna quite properly was the hostess, but Bianca + Buonaventuri, who was installed in a Casino in the park, which Francesco + had given her, and called “Villetta Bini,” was of the party, the life and + soul of all the entertainments. + </p> + <p> + During the festivities Bianca managed to be <i>tête-à-tête</i> with her + brother-in-law in a secluded summer-house. The fascination of three years + before was again transcendent. “The Venetian is irresistible,” he said + afterwards, “I cannot hate her, try how I will!” The truth was, he was + madly in love, and he owned it, but his love was, after all, like the hot + fumes of a lurid fire. + </p> + <p> + The year 1576 was a black one in the annals of the Medici. Two beautiful + and accomplished princesses of the ruling house were done to death by + jealous, unfaithful husbands. + </p> + <p> + Bianca Buonaventuri was stunned by the terrible end of her dear + sister-friends, Isabella de’ Medici and Eleanora de Garzia de Toledo. + Would her turn come next? The three had been called “The Three Graces of + Florence,” and certainly each had vied with the other in elegance and + fascination, but to Bianca the golden apple had been accorded unanimously. + Beauty and charm seemed to be magnets of destruction, and Bianca was upon + her guard! + </p> + <p> + So far as she herself was concerned, she knew that at any time she might + still fall a victim to a Venetian desperado, or to a Florentine assassin, + and under every friendly guise she feared a foe. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the Grand Duchess Giovanna and her detestation of Bianca, + a story may be told which has all the appearance at least of probability. + Giovanna expressed, not once, but often, her wish for Bianca’s death. + This, indeed, in those days, and in Florence, the “City of Assassins,” was + as good as a judicial sentence. The Grand Duchess, moreover, it was + reputed, followed up her words by action. “One day,” the story goes, “in + the month of March 1576, her carriage chanced to meet that of Bianca’s + upon the Ponte SS. Trinita. She besought her coachman to try and upset her + rival, hoping that she might fall into the river below and be drowned! + Conte Eliodoro del Castello, her Chamberlain, saw the manoeuvre and + prevented a deplorable fatality.” + </p> + <p> + Be this as it may, the Grand Duke not only sympathised with Bianca’s + fears, but appointed certain of his own bodyguard to take up similar + duties near the person of Madonna Buonaventuri, and her progresses + henceforward were watched with as much circumstance as his own. At the + same time his devotion to the woman he loved increased from day to day. + The perils she was called upon to meet were incurred through her + unquestioning love of him. This he knew well enough. + </p> + <p> + Writing on 29th March 1576, Carlo Zorzi, the Ambassador of the Serene + Republic, and a warm adherent of his fascinating fellow-countrywoman, + says: “I visited the Grand Duke’s Villa Pratolino, and also Madonna Bianca + Buonaventuri’s charming retreat, the Orte Oricellari, and her pretty Villa + della Tana, which he had lately given her, looking upon the Arno, and I + observed Don Francesco’s intimacy with the Madonna. I noted also her + extraordinary influence for good upon him.... They appear to be made for + one another, and to be absorbed in the same occupations and interests.... + She had but to name an object for charity or patronage, and at once she + had his hearty approval.” + </p> + <p> + Francesco never concealed his concern at having no son. With his own + physicians and the physicians of the Grand Duchess he held many + consultations: not a few quacks and empirics also were sought to for + nostrums and charms which should obtain by science what nature had so far + withheld. He and Bianca held anxious counsel, for he knew that she would + lay down her life for him, and would grant him every facility which it was + in her loving power to supply. + </p> + <p> + Reflecting deeply, Bianca saw only one situation: Giovanna was barren of + male issue, why should not she herself become once more a mother—the + mother of a son, a son of Francesco! + </p> + <p> + This idea haunted her, but all the same she had no conception; and then a + design presented itself to her weary brain—as natural as it was + indefensible. For some time she had been getting stout—her age, her + constitution, and her rich living were all conducive to that condition. If + she was not to be the mother of his child by natural means, she could be + so by a subterfuge, which her <i>embonpoint</i> would uphold! + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1576 Bianca Buonaventuri gave out that she was <i>enceinte</i> + and began forthwith her preparations for <i>accouchement</i>. She left her + palace in the Via Maggio, under the shadow of the Pitti Palace, and took + up her abode in the Casino of the Orte Oricellari, which she had lately + purchased from the family of Rucellai, and surrounded herself with + confidential friends and attendants. + </p> + <p> + The <i>dénouement</i> came on 29th August, when the Grand Duke was + informed by Bianca’s surgeon-accoucheur, that she had been delivered of a + child—a boy! Francesco was almost frantic with delight, and he + hastened to his beloved Bianca’s bedside. Picking up <i>his</i> child, he + fondled him tenderly and almost smothered him with kisses, and at once + gave orders for a ceremonial baptism. Antonio, he called him—after + the kindly patron saint of that auspicious day—when he personally + handed the child to the Archbishop at the font. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchess was inexpressibly shocked, she refused to see her + husband, shut herself up in her own apartments, and demanded an escort to + Vienna! The news was not long in reaching Rome, and it made Cardinal + Ferdinando furious. In a moment all the blandishments of “the Venetian” + were dissipated; the better terms lately established in Florence were + renounced, and the angry Prince, in unmeasured language, asserted that the + child was not Francesco’s. + </p> + <p> + He knew well enough that what had come to pass, unless unchallenged, would + imperil his presumptive title. First it was sought to throw doubt upon + Bianca’s actual maternity, and next to secure the person of the little + boy. + </p> + <p> + Bianca and Antonio, under a strong guard, were sent off to Pratolino, hers + and Francesco’s best-loved retreat—they had together planned its + beauties. There, during her make-believe convalescence, she came to + consider the very serious nature of her love’s stratagem, and she + determined to make a full confession to her lover. The Grand Duke was + thunderstruck, but at once he recognised the emphatic importance of + secrecy; for, as Vincenzio Borghini quaintly said: “Florence was the + greatest market in the world for tissues and materials of <i>all</i> + kinds, and full of evil eyes, and ears, and tongues!” Meanwhile Ferdinando + had not let the water run under the Arno bridges for nothing. He + discovered the surgeon-accoucheur who had attended Madonna Bianca—one + Giovanni Gazzi. He maintained the fact of the confinement, but + incidentally named the wet nurse, Giovanna Santi. This woman admitted that + she had been instrumental in the introduction into Madonna Bianca’s + chamber of the newly-born son of a reputable woman, who lived with her + husband behind the <i>Stinche</i>. + </p> + <p> + No trace could be found of these humble parents of Francesco’s + supposititious child, and all Ferdinando’s enquiries were fruitless. Many + were the tales rife, in and out of the palaces and markets, but neither + the Grand Duke nor Bianca took any steps to refute them, and after being, + as usual, a nine days’ wonder, the subject dropped, apparently. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchess Giovanna gave birth, on 19th May, the following year, to + a son—a sickly child to be sure, but the undoubted heir of his + father. Ferdinando’s hopes were shattered, but he had not done with Bianca + Buonaventuri. Within nine months, on 9th February, Giovanna died, somewhat + suddenly, and the Cardinal failed not to intimate that Bianca was the + cause thereof, and to name poison as her means! The truth is, that the + Grand Duchess one day getting out of her sedan-chair, slipped upon the + polished marble floor, and, being again near her confinement, a + miscarriage resulted, from which she never recovered. + </p> + <p> + Within two months of the burial of sour-tempered, unlovable Giovanna, the + Grand Duke married Bianca, Pietro Buonaventuri’s widow, privately in the + chapel of the Palazzo Vecchio. + </p> + <p> + One immediate result of this marriage was the quasi-legitimisation of the + child Antonio—a vigorous youngster and certain to outlive frail + little Filippo. + </p> + <p> + Reconciliation with Venice, public marriage, and Coronation were in due + order celebrated, and Bianca Cappello, “the true and undoubted daughter of + Venice,” was enthroned in the Duomo, as the true and lawful Grand Duchess + of Tuscany! Cardinal Ferdinando watched all these ceremonials from afar—the + only one of his family who declined to honour the Grand Duke and Grand + Duchess with his presence during the festivities. + </p> + <p> + Represented by an inferior official of his household, he remained in Rome, + closely shut up in his palace, a spectacle to the world at large of + ungovernable prejudice and foiled ambition. His cogitations, however, were + very grateful, for he was working out in his intriguing brain a ready + method for ridding himself, not alone of the two children, bars to his + pretensions, but of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess also! Ferdinando was + determined to succeed Francesco as Sovereign of Tuscany, come what might! + </p> + <p> + Never was a man more changed than the Grand Duke Francesco when he placed + the new Grand Duchess beside him on his throne. Twelve years of gloom and + disappointment gave way before the advent of the “Sun of Venice.” + </p> + <p> + The best, happiest, and most popular years of his reign exactly + synchronise with the period of Bianca’s ascendency. No strife of parties, + no pestilence, no foreign war, black-marked those years. Arts and crafts + revived with the increase of population and of confidence, and men began + to agree that there was something after all to be said—and to be + said heartily—for Macchiavelli’s “Prince,” and his idea of a “<i>Il + Governo d’un solo</i>.” + </p> + <p> + In this glorious eventide of the Renaissance were reproduced some of the + magnificence of its heyday, under Lucrezia and Lorenzo de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + In the early days of Francesco’s infatuation for Bianca he had given forth + an impassioned madrigal, which once more he sang to her as his good + angel-guardian:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Around my frail and battered barque + There is always serenely swimming, + And wakefully watching me, + Lest I perish, a beautiful and powerful Dolphin. + Warn’d and shielded from every buffet + Of the deadly wave, I feel secure. + Fierce winds no longer cause me fear. + I seek succour no more from oars and sails + Safely accompanied by my loving Guardian!” + </pre> + <p> + Francesco’s devotion for Bianca continued as the years sped on their way, + and he noted with supreme satisfaction that every word and action of hers + were marked with unquestioning affection. The loves of Francesco and + Bianca at Pratolino recalled those of Giuliano and Simonetta at Fiesole, + whilst the wits, and beaux, and beauteous women who consorted there, + revived the glories of the Platonic Academy. + </p> + <p> + Montaigne, who visited the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, both at the Pitti + Palace and at Pratolino, in 1580, says: “I was surprised to see her take + the place of honour above her husband.... She is very handsome ... and + seems to have entirely subjugated the Prince.” + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal was not unobservant of the trend of Florentine affairs. Plots + and counterplots were quite to his liking. The Pucci conspiracy and the + vengeance upon the Capponi affected him closely. Francesco was not + ignorant of the patronage and encouragement vouchsafed to his secret + enemies by his eminent brother in Rome—and he watched each move. + </p> + <p> + The peace and prosperity which marked the progress of the “City of the + Lion and the Lily,” after Bianca Buonaventuri mounted the Grand Ducal + throne, were not regarded complacently by the uneasy Cardinal. The very + fact that she was the admirable cause thereof, embittered his Eminence’s + soul, and his spleen was mightily enlarged by the creatures who pandered + to his vicious ill-nature. The fascination of the Goddess engendered + detestation as love was turned once more to hate in the crucible of his + passions. + </p> + <p> + “She is nothing but a strumpet, and without a drop of royal blood,” so he + reasoned, and so he spoke; and he backed up his aphorism by conniving at + the foul report in 1582, which accused “Bianca Buonaventuri”—as he + always styled her—of causing poison to be administered to poor + little Filippo—Giovanna’s puny, sickly child! He even had the + audacity to accuse Francesco of complicity, because he had ordered no + elaborate court mourning, conveniently ignoring the fact that a gracious + compliment was paid to Spanish custom and court etiquette, by the + simplicity of the obsequies. + </p> + <p> + Plotters of other men’s wrongs were ever inconsistent! One would have + thought that Ferdinando would have hailed the removal of the only + legitimate heir, before himself, to the Grand Duchy, but the delirium of + jealousy and the fury of animosity in the Cardinal’s evil heart, found a + sort of culmination two years later. Bianca’s daughter, Pellegrina, the + only offspring of Pietro Buonaventuri, gave birth to a child. She had + married, shortly after the public nuptials of the Grand Duke and Grand + Duchess, Count Ulisse Bentivoglio di Magiola of Bologna—a by no + means happy marriage as it turned out. This child, a boy, their first-born—indeed + poor, pretty Pellegrina’s love-child—the Cardinal affirmed “Bianca + Buonaventuri” had tried to pass off as her own—another subterfuge + confirmative of the first, and that his brother was conversant with the + intrigue! + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke met the gossip with impassive silence—the wisest + thing he could have done—and the Grand Duchess laid herself out to + make Cardinal Ferdinando utterly ashamed of himself and his foul + aspersions. The integrity of her conduct, and Francesco’s sapient conduct + of the Government were the admiration of all Italy. + </p> + <p> + So struck was the Pope with the peace and happiness of the Medicean rule, + and the personal characteristics of “the good wife and beneficent + consort,” as he styled her, that he bestowed upon the Grand Duchess the + rare distinction of the “Golden Rose”! At first his Holiness desired the + Cardinal de’ Medici to head the special mission as Legate, and talked + seriously to his Eminence upon his relations with the Sovereigns of + Tuscany. He pointed out quite clearly the line of conduct Ferdinando + should pursue—the direct converse of the position he had taken up. + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal began to reflect that the death of little Prince Filippo, and + the fact that Francesco had not proclaimed Antonio his heir-apparent, left + him at all events the undoubted heir-presumptive. Consequently, when the + Florentine Mission, under Archbishop Giuseppe Donzelle of Sorrento, + returned to Rome, and the Legate conveyed to him a cordial invitation from + the Tuscan Sovereigns to visit Florence, he accepted it with the best + grace he could command—keeping, at the same time, his true feelings + and intentions to himself. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Pageant and dirge trip up each other often enough in the course of human + life! The lives especially of sovereigns, through the strong light ever + beating upon their thrones, are always exposed to vicissitudes of fortune. + The Papal Mission had scarcely passed out of recollection, and everything + in Florence was happy and prosperous—sunshine is always brightest + before eclipse—when the spectre of tragedy again cast its dark + shadow over the path of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. + </p> + <p> + A right merry party was that which set off from the Palazzo Pitti to the + Villa Poggio a Caiano one bright morning in October 1587. The “hunter’s + moon was up,” for the harvest had been gathered in, and the new luscious + grapes were in the vat. Pheasant awaited the coming of the sportsmen in + the home-coppices, wild boar in the thickets of Monte Ginestra, and other + game was ready for the hawk-on-wrist and the dog-in-leash along the + smiling valley of the Ombrone. + </p> + <p> + Hunting and sporting parties were now quite in the Grand Duchess’ way. + Unused to such exploits upon the canals and lagunes of Venice, she had, + from the moment of her elevation, sympathetically entered into the joys of + horsemanship and the pastimes of the countryside. Few could beat her in + point-to-point—she feared no obstacle, nor dreaded accident, the + charge of wild game terrified her not. + </p> + <p> + “Magnificent,” she wrote, on 15th November 1586, “was the sport.... I + actually saw four very large boars fall dead at my feet.” The Grand Duke, + of course, as became “a perfect gentleman,” was at one with Bianca in love + for, and skill in, all exercises in the open air. His seat was firm, his + aim was good, and he revelled in the chase. + </p> + <p> + Still of Poggio a Caiano he had unpleasing memories, for there he met + Giovanna of Austria, and had the first taste of her ill-humour as he rode + by her side at her scornful entry into Florence, twelve years before. But + Bianca had wrought a vast change in his disposition and environment. She + had interwoven fancy and reality, and Francesco was now serenely happy. + Often did he sing tender madrigals as they together sauntered in the woods + and indulged in pastoral pursuits. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sing! sing! ye birds I am wide awake + Tho’ silent ‘mid your tender harmony; + And yet I would fain join your sweet concert, + Whilst upon the face of fair Bianca, + ‘Mirror of Love’—I fix my yearning eyes.” + </pre> + <p> + The Cardinal was one of this particular hunting party—indeed, the + hunt had been arranged entirely in his honour, and he expressed himself as + charmed with everything—and especially with the Grand Duchess. This + was his first State visit to his brother’s Court and his affability knew + no bounds. Bianca, on her part, laid herself out to entertain her + brother-in-law, and made herself especially attractive and gracious. The + presence of the Archbishop of Florence added greatly to her satisfaction + and Francesco’s. Very wisely, young Antonio was sent to Pratolino with his + governor and tutors, and in the merry company no personality could, in any + way, recall unhappy incidents of the past. The days were passed in the + exhilaration of sport, and the evening repasts were followed by animated + conversation, ballets, music and recitations. All the brightest ornaments + of the Court were present at the Grand Duchess’ behest. + </p> + <p> + Bianca, herself, in the highest spirits, dressed, sang, and danced, + bewitchingly. The frolics of the Orte Oricellari were transferred to the + delightful hunting-box, and everybody and everything was as gay as gay + could be, and no one troubled about the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Alas, when the merriment was at its height, a sudden stop was put to all + the festivities, for, during the night of 8th October, the Grand Duke was + taken ill with severe spasms and violent sickness. The Grand Duchess was + summoned to his side, and full of alarm and devotion, she at once + despatched a mounted messenger into Florence to command the attendance of + the Court physicians—Messeri Giulio Agnolo da Barga and Ferdinando + Cino da Roma. + </p> + <p> + They assured her that their princely patient was merely suffering from an + error in diet—the dish of mushrooms, of which he had partaken freely + overnight, had not been well prepared—but they considered that all + ill effects would disappear as suddenly as they had arisen. The report of + Francesco’s illness reached the Vatican, and the Pope addressed a kindly + letter to the Grand Duchess, conveying a good-natured homily to the Grand + Duke upon the evils of gluttony! + </p> + <p> + Bianca cast aside her sparkling coryphean tinsel, and, putting on a quiet + gown and natty little cap, appointed herself nurse-in-chief to her dear + husband, and no one was better fitted for the post. Torquato Tasso, her + Poet-Laureate, noted her tender, compassionate character and her sweet + sympathy with human infirmities. In 1578 he had put forth the first of his + <i>Cinquanta Madrigali</i>, with a pathetic dedication to the Grand + Duchess. + </p> + <p> + “Had your Highness,” he wrote, “not experienced yourself both good and + evil fortune, you could not so perfectly understand, as you do, the + misfortunes of others.” He goes on, in his <i>Rime</i>, to extol his + patroness: + </p> + <p> + “Lady Bianca, a kindly refuge Holds and cheers one in sad and weary pain.” + </p> + <p> + Matters assumed, however, a very different aspect on the morning of the + tenth, for the Grand Duchess was seized with symptoms exactly similar to + those of the Grand Duke, whose condition by no means warranted the + confidence of the physicians. Alarm spread through the villa and the + guests departed in the greatest anxiety. The Cardinal alone remained, and + his lack of solicitude and general indifference gave the members of the + suite occasion for remark and suspicion. + </p> + <p> + He assumed the air of the master of the place, and gave orders as he + deemed well. Into the household he introduced some servants of his own, + and ordered out his Florentine bodyguard. Urgent messages passed to and + fro between him and his brother Piero de’ Medici, and communications were + opened with Domina Cammilla, the Cardinal’s stepmother in the convent of + Saint Monica. These did not allay the universal distrust. + </p> + <p> + Bianca’s own physician failed to diagnose her indisposition, whilst the + Court physicians scouted the idea—already being translated into + words—that the sudden attacks of the Grand Ducal couple were due to + <i>poison</i>. What else could it be? The symptoms pointed that way and no + other! + </p> + <p> + On the third day tertiary fever intervened, with incessant thirst and fits + of delirium, and Francesco’s condition caused the gravest anxiety. Bianca + was inconsolable. Unable to wait upon him, and suffering exactly as was + he, she penned, propped up with pillows, a piteous appeal to the Pope, in + which she craved his Holiness’s prayers and benedictions, and also his + fatherly protection for Francesco and herself. She said: “I do not feel at + all sure of the Cardinal.” The pontiff replied sympathetically, and + assured her that no wrong should be done her or the Grand Duke by anybody. + </p> + <p> + Francesco showed no signs of improvement, but gradually got weaker. When + too late for any remedial measures to have effect, the physicians, in + private conference, agreed that the cause of his seizure was poison, but—looking + from the clenched hand of the dying prince to the open palm of his + successor—they, in sordid self-interest, held their tongues. Who had + administered the fatal drug, and when, and where, had better not be + published! If by a fraternal hand, then it was no concern of theirs! + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke expired in agony on the tenth day after his seizure. Bianca + could not leave her couch to soothe his last moments. She was nearly as + far gone as he, and her attendants waited upon her with the gloomiest + forebodings. To her impassioned cries for her husband, they returned + deceptive answers. None of her kith and kin were near to comfort her. Her + only brother, Vettor, had been dismissed the Tuscan Court in the year of + her coronation for unseemly and presumptuous behaviour, and his wife went + back with him to Venice. There was no time and no one to correspond with + her favourite cousin Andrea. Her tenderly-loved daughter, Pellegrina was + at Bologna, nursing her own little Bianca, lately born, and could not + travel so far as Florence. + </p> + <p> + Little Antonio would have been an affectionate companion in his loving + foster-mother’s illness, but the child was at Pratolino with Maria and + Eleanora, unhappy Giovanna’s daughters. The former, just fifteen years + old, had been Bianca’s special care. She was a precocious child, and her + stepmother imparted to her some of her own delightful inspirations—the + two were inseparable. What a comfort she would have been in gentle + ministrations to the suffering Grand Duchess! + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, had pain-racked, dying Bianca imagined the splendid destiny of + the attractive young Princess Maria, she might have gathered no little + solace. Could she but have seen her own example and her precepts + reincarnated in a Queen of France—for Maria became the consort of + Henry II., and ruled him, his court and realm—she would have turned + her face to the wall with greater equanimity. + </p> + <p> + Just before his death the Grand Duke sent for Ferdinando, told him he had + been poisoned by no one but himself, and charged him with the double + murder, for he had constant news, of course, of Bianca’s illness. He asked + him in that solemn hour to honour both of them in burial, to protect the + little boy Antonio and his two young daughters, Maria and Eleanora, and to + treat kindly all who had been faithful and true to Bianca and himself. + Then he gave him the password for the Tuscan fortresses, and asked for his + confessor, and so he passed away. As soon as Francesco was dead, + Ferdinando demanded to be admitted to the bedside of Bianca. Concealing + from her the fatal news, he intimated that Francesco had consigned to him + the conduct of affairs, and in the most heartless, inhuman fashion + possible, bade her prepare for death! + </p> + <p> + “See,” he added, “I have brought your friend, Abbioso; you may as well + make your confession to him as Francesco has done to Frate Confetti.” + </p> + <p> + Bianca, though only partially conscious, knew exactly what the Cardinal + meant, and railed at him for his cruelty. In delirium she made passionate + appeals to Francesco, and wildly denounced her treacherous brother-in-law. + Her cries resounded through the villa, but they stirred no feeling of + regret or compunction in Ferdinando’s breast. He gloated, fiend-like, over + his victim’s sufferings. It was not by chance he procured the potent + poison he had used. The empiric-medico at Salerno had been well paid to + furnish a potion that should, by its slow but deadly action, prolong the + tortures of the sufferers! A less vindictive murderer would have secured + his victim’s quick release, but, during ten terrible days of sickness, + delirium and agony, he witnessed the inevitable progress of his vengeance! + If Cosimo, his father, had called his young son Garzia “Cain,” what would + not he have called the man, the bloodthirsty Ferdinando? + </p> + <p> + Bianca’s illness followed precisely the course of the Grand Duke’s. The + tearful faces of her attendants, and the noise of preparations for his + burial, conveyed to her in calmer moments the terrible truth, and she had + no longer any wish to live—parted from Francesco. Bianca was already + dead. She called the bishop and made a full confession of her whole life’s + story, hiding nothing, palliating nothing. Out of a full heart she spoke—that + heart which had been the source of all her love and her happiness, her + misery and her sin. + </p> + <p> + Antonio she commended to Bishop Abbioso’s care, and begged him send the + news of her death and Francesco’s to Cavaliere Bartolommeo Cappello at + Venice. After absolution and last communion, Bianca Cappello, “Daughter of + Venice,” Grand Duchess of Tuscany, breathed her last in peace—the + delirium having abated—on the evening of 30th October, just two days + after her husband. + </p> + <p> + A <i>post-mortem</i> examination, or at least the form of one, upon the + Grand Duke revealed, it was said, advanced disease of the liver, the + consequences of his unwisdom in the use of cordials and elixirs! With the + connivance of the Court physicians, Ferdinando put out a proclamation that + the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess—he was compelled to use the title + then in speaking of Bianca—had died from “attacks of malarial fever, + induced by the unhealthy atmosphere of Poggio a Caiano.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Francesco’s obsequies were attended by all the stately ceremonies usual in + the Medici family. Conveyed into Florence by the <i>Misericordia</i> on + the evening of his death, his body was exposed for three days in state in + the Palazzo Pitti, and then carried in solemn procession to the church of + San Lorenzo for burial. + </p> + <p> + If merely to save appearances, or to conceal his real intention, the new + Grand Duke ordered the body of the Grand Duchess to be placed beside that + of her husband in the Cappella Medici of the church. For six brief hours + it was suffered to remain, and then, at midnight, agents of Ferdinando, + well paid for their profanity, deported all that was mortal of the + brilliant “woman whom he hated” to an unknown grave in the paupers’ burial + plot beyond the city boundary! “For,” said he, “we will have none of her + among our dead!” + </p> + <p> + Such was the end of the beautiful and accomplished Bianca Cappello—“Bianca, + so richly endowed,” as wrote one of her panegyrists, “by nature, and so + refined by discipline, able to sympathise with and help all who approached + her—her fame for good will last for ever!” The wiles of the serpent + and his cruel coils had crushed the “Daughter of Venice”: it was the + triumph of an unworthy man over a lovable woman. She was not the only + victim Ferdinando’s poison overpowered—Giovanni de’ Pucci, whom the + Pope was about to advance to the Cardinalate, an inoffensive ecclesiastic, + incurred Cardinal Ferdinando’s displeasure by his sympathy with the Grand + Duchess. He died mysteriously after drinking a glass of wine which + Ferdinando had poured out for him![A] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve">[A] +[In 1857, when the Medici graves at San Lorenzo were opened, +the bodies of the Grand Duke Francesco and the Grand Duchess Giovanna +were easily identified. The bodies also of Maria, the unhappy victim of +her father, Cosimo, with the fatal wound; of Eleanora de Garzia de +Toledo, Piero’s murdered wife; and of Isabella, Duchess of Bracciano, +were also recognised. All five were in wooden chests, but robbed of the +costly grave-clothes and jewels. <i>There was no trace of the body of the +Grand Duchess Bianca!</i>] +</pre> + <p> + Bianca had not been many days buried when ominous reports began to be rife + all over Florence and along the countryside. People asked each other why + the body of the Grand Duchess had been snatched. “Was it,” they said, “to + hide the real culprit and to stifle awkward questions?” The tongues of the + night-birds, who had thrown that precious body aside contemptuously, and + had not been permitted to mark the grave in any way, were loosened, they + gave the name of their employer—Ferdinando’s major-domo. + </p> + <p> + That was quite enough to fix preferentially the guilt upon the guilty + party, but when the medical advisers of the new Grand Duke admitted + reluctantly that neither Francesco nor Bianca had died from malarial + causes, the chitter-chatter of the villa and the palace became unmuzzled, + and first one and then another domestic—more or less personal—contributed + his piece of private knowledge of the facts of the double tragedy. + </p> + <p> + Putting these all together piecemeal, the story reads somewhat as follows: + Cardinal Ferdinando had for a very long time determined that it was + absolutely essential to his succession to the Grand Duchy that Don + Francesco should not be permitted to have a child—a boy, by his + second wife, Bianca. + </p> + <p> + Francesco’s health was indifferent and he seemed likely not to live long, + but, be that as it might, the Cardinal joined the hunting-party at Poggia + a Caiano fully intent upon making an attempt upon the lives of both + Francesco and Bianca. Among his suite was a valet, one Silvio, a man of + fiendish ingenuity, who had made himself invaluable to his master in many + an intrigue. To him Ferdinando committed the task of mixing the poison, + which he procured from Salerno, in the food or beverage of the Grand Ducal + couple. + </p> + <p> + Silvio made several attempts to accomplish his commission, but the Grand + Duke and Grand Duchess did not touch the dishes—specially treated as + they passed from the kitchen to the hall—whilst in their cooling + wine cups, so much beloved of Francesco, the poison failed of its effect. + To be sure, two days before the Grand Duke’s actual seizure, he rejected a + game-pasty which had a peculiar taste, and the Grand Duchess had, as she + thought, detected her brother-in-law playing with the wine glasses, which + she at once caused to be replaced by others. + </p> + <p> + Upon the evening when a ragoût of mushrooms was served at the + supper-table, it was observed that the Cardinal quite emphatically + declined to partake of the dish, but that he pressed Francesco and Bianca + to eat largely of it! Bianca ate sparingly, and advised her husband to + follow her example; her intuition perceived danger in the delicacy, alas, + it was in vain! + </p> + <p> + This was all, perhaps, that came out concerning the tragedy, but the + Cardinal met the story with another. He caused it to be bruited about that + Bianca had tried to circumvent <i>his</i> death! For this purpose she had + herself made a cake, which she urged him to eat, but which Francesco + insisted upon tasting, whereupon she consumed what he had left. The + Cardinal further put into the Grand Duchess’s mouth the plausible lament; + “We will die together if Ferdinando escapes!” + </p> + <p> + Nobody believed this version, which merely confirmed the real truth, for + neither Francesco or Bianca had ever expressed a wish for Ferdinando’s + death. + </p> + <p> + Within three hours of the death of Francesco, Ferdinando rode swiftly into + Florence, accompanied by a suite of his own creatures—not a single + officer of the Grand Ducal house accompanied him. His escort was fully + armed and so was Ferdinando. Stopped at the gate by the guard, he gave, to + the utter surprise of the subaltern, the Grand Ducal password, and was + accorded the Sovereign’s salute. Thence he passed at a gallop to the + Palazzo Pitti, where he placed personally his seal upon the great doors, + and then put up at the Palazzo Medici. + </p> + <p> + A messenger was despatched before dawn to the Dean of the Duomo to order + the big bell to sound. This was the first intimation to Florence that the + Grand Duke Francesco was dead. The Lords of the Council hastened from + their beds to the Palazzo Vecchio, where Ferdinando joined them, and, + there and then, required them to pay him their allegiance. + </p> + <p> + Thus Ferdinando de’ Medici became third Grand Duke of Tuscany. His + character as a ruler may not be discussed here at length, but of him it + has been succinctly said: “He had as much talent for government as is + compatible with the absence of all virtue, and as much pride as can exist + without true nobility of mind.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When Pietro Buonaventuri so complacently resigned his bewitching young + wife to be the plaything of Don Francesco de’ Medici, he also yielded up + the guardianship of his little daughter, Pellegrina, and she lived with + her mother in the private mansion Bianca had received from the Prince near + the Pitti Palace. + </p> + <p> + At the time of the assassination of Pietro the child was eight years old—a + lovely girl, resembling, in person and manners, her attractive mother. The + Prince took her under his special care, in fact adopted her, and treated + her as if she was his own dear daughter. Naturally, the Duchess Giovanna + resented this arrangement, and strictly forbade her own daughter, Eleanora—a + year Pellegrina’s junior—to have anything to do with the base-born + child of her hated rival. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the sparkling, merry little girl became the pet of the Court—where + she was always greeted as “<i>La Bella Bianchina</i>.” and no one dreamed + of throwing her father’s evil career in her face. At the public marriage + of the Grand Duke and the widowed Bianca Buonaventuri, Pellegrina was, of + course, a prominent figure. She had grown tall and had inherited the + charming traits of her sweet mother. She was fourteen years old, and + eligible as the bride of any acceptable suitor. Her dowry was + considerable; equal indeed to that of the Princess Eleanora; and the Grand + Duke was no less solicitous than the Grand Duchess about the choice of a + husband. + </p> + <p> + At first it was hoped that a young Florentine might be the successful + lover, and indeed such an one appeared to have been secured, when young + Pietro Strozzo—the son of Messer Camillo di Matteo negli Strozzi—one + of Pellegrina’s sponsors at her baptism—was judged worthy of the + matrimonial prize. They were accordingly betrothed, but the inconstancy of + Love was once more proved, for the young fellow was a wayward youth, and, + although only seventeen, had fixed his affections elsewhere! + </p> + <p> + The match was broken off, but within a year of Pietro’s renunciation + another aspirant for Pellegrina’s hand and dowry appeared in the person of + a distinguished young foreigner—Conte Ulisse Bentivoglio de’ Magioli + da Bologna. He was reputed to be the natural son of Signore Alessandro + d’Ercole Bentivoglio, and had been adopted by his maternal uncle, Conte + Giorgio de’ Magioli. His mother’s name was Isotta—a beautiful girl + at the Court of the Lords of Bologna, who had romantic relations with both + Signore Alessandro and Conte Giorgio. Which of the two was Conte Ulisse’s + father mattered far less, from a matrimonial point of view, than the fact + that the prospective bridegroom was unusually wealthy and well-placed. + </p> + <p> + Conte Ulisse, twenty years of age, went to Florence along with the Bologna + deputation to greet Grand Duke Francesco upon his marriage with Bianca + Buonaventuri. Then it was that he first saw Pellegrina, and was accepted + as her betrothed husband. He remained in Florence a considerable time, and + took a leading part in the splendid festivities and the notable <i>giostre</i>, + wherein he was hailed as a champion in the “Lists.” + </p> + <p> + The marriage was celebrated three months after the Grand Ducal wedding, + and, amid the tears of her mother, Pellegrina departed with her husband + for Bologna. Everything went well for a time with the youthful Count and + Countess. Grand Duchess Bianca paid them several visits, and Countess + Pellegrina spent much time in Florence. For example, she took part in the + marriage ceremonies of Virginia de’ Medici, unhappy Signora Cammilla’s + child, in 1586, with Don Cesare d’Este. The year after her coronation the + Grand Duchess went in state to Bologna, to assist at the accouchement of + her daughter. A little son made his appearance, and as though to fix the + real parentage of the Count, he was baptised Giorgio. + </p> + <p> + Two more sons came to seal the happiness of the young couple—Alessandro + and Francesco—and two daughters—Bianca and Vittoria—and + then the happy relations between the Count and Countess underwent a + change, and her husband’s love ceased to peep into Pellegrina’s heart. The + Count was much occupied with military matters, like most young nobles of + his age; he also undertook diplomatic duties, and was sent, in 1585, as + the special ambassador of Bologna, to congratulate Pope Sixtus V. upon his + elevation to the Pontifical throne. + </p> + <p> + At the Roman Court he met Don Piero de’ Medici—the Florentine envoy—and, + through him, got into evil company. He returned to Bologna unsettled in + his feelings, and looking for excitement and illicit intercourse. His + passion for Pellegrina was passing away, and he sought not her couch but + the company of a lovely girl of Bologna who had fascinated him. + </p> + <p> + By degrees his love for his sweet wife grew cold, and at length he had the + effrontery to establish his <i>innamorata</i> in his own mansion. + Pellegrina protested in vain, but the more she admonished her husband the + more flagrant became the <i>liaison</i>. Cast off and even spurned in her + own house, the poor young Countess longed for her dear, dead mother’s + presence. She had now no one to counsel and comfort her. Left pretty much + to herself, she yearned for companionship and love. She was only + twenty-four, and still as attractive as could be. + </p> + <p> + What she sought came at last, when young Antonio Riari took up his + residence at Bologna as a student-in-law. He was the great-grandnephew of + the infamous creature of reprobate Pope Sixtus IV.—Count Girolamo + de’ Riari—of the Pazzi Conspiracy a hundred years before. + Good-looking, gay, amorous, and blessed with robust health and ample + means, the young man was the lover of every pretty girl. + </p> + <p> + Attracted mutually to one another, the Countess Pellegrina yielded herself + to her admirer’s embraces—although Antonio was a mere lad of + seventeen. The intimacy grew until news of it reached Count Ulisse’s ears + in the boudoir of his sweetheart! The gossip doubtless was garnished to + the taste of the retailers and of the receiver. + </p> + <p> + The Count turned upon his wife—as he might have been expected to do, + seeing that he had habitually been unfaithful, and taxed her with + unfaithfulness! Innocently enough, Pellegrina told him exactly how matters + stood, craved his forgiveness, and begged for the restitution of marital + rights. Conscious of his own turpitude and irregularity of life, he met + her protestations with scorn, and, seeing in the episode an opportunity of + legalising his illicit lusts, he denounced her publicly and set spies to + report her conduct. + </p> + <p> + These mercenaries, knowing the mind of their master, did not hesitate to + translate his words into deeds; and very soon they were able to realise + their dastardly purpose. Although the Countess had warned young Riario of + the danger which menaced them both, and was, for a time, more circumspect + in her intercourse with her lover, the fascination of mutual passion + overbore the dictates of prudence. + </p> + <p> + Like a “bolt from the blue” fell the blow—or blows—which, if + not delivered by Count Ulisse in person, were his <i>de jure</i>. Two paid + assassins chanced upon the loving couple one day, clasped in each other’s + arms, in a summer-house in a remote part of the Bentivoglio gardens! + </p> + <p> + Swift and certain was the aim! Pellegrina and Antonio were discovered, + late at night, each stabbed through the back, and strangled with cords—dead—with + eyes of horror gazing wildly at the pale moon! No shrift had they, but + bitter tears were shed by tender sympathisers, and accusing fingers were + pointed at the Count. + </p> + <p> + What cared he! He merely shrugged his shoulders and sardonically hinted + that as he had brought his wife from Florence—from Florence, too, + had he learned how to take personal vengeance upon a faithless spouse and + her accomplice! The dark deed was done on 21st September 1589, and Count + Ulisse lived on with his evil conscience and his new wife till 1618, when + he, too, fell in Bologna by an assassin’s blade—just retribution for + the foul murder of lovely Pellegrina Buonaventuri. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — <i>Pathetic Victims of Fateful Passion</i> — + Eleanora degli Albizzi and Sforza Almeni — Cammilla de’ Martelli + — Virginia de’ Medici e d’Este — Cardinal Ferdinando de’ + Medici. + </h2> + <p> + “<i>Di fare il piacere di Cosimo</i>”—To serve for Cosimo’s + pleasure! In such words, an immoral father condemned his lovely daughter + to feed the unholy lust of the “Tyrant of Florence”—Moloch was never + better served. + </p> + <p> + Eleanora and Cammilla, cousins after the flesh, were each dedicated as a + <i>cosa di Cosimo</i>—the property of Cosimo. If he did not murder + their bodies, he slew their souls—that was the manner of the man, + the fashion of his time. + </p> + <p> + Romantic attachments, full of thrilling pathos, ran then like golden + threads through the vulgar woof and web of woe and death. Someone has said + that “Love and murder are next of kin”; true, indeed, was this what time + Eleanora and Cammilla were fresh young girls in Florence. They were each + made for love, and love they had; but that love was the embrace of a + living death, selfish, cruel, and damning. Better, perhaps, had they died + right out by sword or poison than suffer, as they did, the extremity of + pathos—the shame of illicit love! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The tragedy of Eleanora degli Albizzi was, perhaps, the most callous and + the most pathetic of all those lurid domestic vicissitudes which traced + their source to the “Tyrant of Florence,” Cosimo I., Grand Duke of + Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + She was not the only Eleanora whose name as, alas, we know, spelled + misfortune. Eleanora de Toledo of the broken heart, and Eleanora de Garzia + de Toledo of the bleeding heart, awaited in Paradise Eleanora degli + Albizzi of the heart of desertion. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Albizzi o Medici</i>?” had once and again divided the power of + Florence, but in the course of high play in the game of politics the + latter held the better hands, drew more trumps, and gained rubber after + rubber. But what a splendid record the Albizzi had! When the Medici were + only tentatively placing their feet upon the ladder of fame, Orlando, + Filippo, Piero, Luca, and Maso—to name a few only of those leaders + of men and women—had scored the name Albizzi as <i>Anziani, Priori, + Gonfalonieri</i>, and <i>Capitani di Parte Guelfa</i>. + </p> + <p> + In fact that aristocratic family dominated Florence and the Florentines + until Salvestro, Giovanni, and Cosimo, of the democratic Medici, disputed + place and power, and built up their fortunes upon the ruins of their + rivals’ faults and favours. + </p> + <p> + Eleanora was the daughter of Messer Luigi di Messer Maso degli Albizzi. + This Messer Maso, a hundred years before, had not seen eye to eye with his + masterful brother—the autocratic Rinaldo, but, noting the trend of + political affairs, had, truth to tell, turned traitor to the traditions of + his family, and had thrown in his lot with the rising house of Medici. + </p> + <p> + Messer Luigi was not a rich man, but in fairly comfortable circumstances, + and slowly retrieving the shattered fortunes of his ancestors. His mansion + was in the fashionable Borgo degli Albizzi, and he owned other town + property and some farms in the <i>contado</i>. He held, too, several + public offices, and was an aspirant to a Podestaship, as a stepping-stone + to that most coveted of all State appointments, the rank of ambassador. + </p> + <p> + In some way or another he gained the favourable notice of Duke Cosimo, and + seems to have rendered him some acceptable service: at all events, he + found himself at home in the entourage of the Sovereign. By his second + wife, Madonna Nannina, daughter of Messer Niccolo de’ Soderini—a + lineal descendant of the self-seeking and notorious adviser of Don Piero + de’ Medici—he had two daughters, Constanza and Eleanora, named after + her godmother, the Duchess Eleanora. + </p> + <p> + Constanza was married to Antonio de’ Ridolfi, the same year that the poor + broken-hearted Duchess sobbed herself to death at Pisa after the terrible + tragedies of 1557 and 1562, and Messer Luigi was left with Eleanora, the + pride of her father’s heart, the joy of his home. As beautiful as any girl + in Florence, she was just sixteen, highly accomplished, full of spirits, + and endowed with some of that pride and haughty bearing which had + distinguished her forbears. She had, in short, all the makings of a + successful woman of the world. + </p> + <p> + Admitted to intimacy and companionship with the children of the Duke, he + had noted the graceful development of the bright young girl’s physical and + mental charms; and he had given evidence of his interest in her by many + pleasant courtesies, both to herself and to her parents. + </p> + <p> + Messer Luigi soon observed the partiality of his Sovereign for his + fascinating young daughter, and being a man anxious, after the manner of a + true Florentine, even in those degenerate days, to better himself and his + family, he saw that something more than mere romance could be made out of + the situation. The commercial assets of his daughter’s person loomed large + in his estimation, for if the Duke took a serious fancy to Eleanora, it + was conceivable that she might one day become his consort! + </p> + <p> + When the girl told her father of the Duke’s kindness to her, and of his + embraces and tender words, he counselled her not to repel her admirer, for + what he meant was all for her good and for the distinction of her family. + The <i>liaison</i> went on unrebuked, encouraged by Cosimo’s promises and + Luigi’s hopes. Nannina’s tears of apprehension were brushed aside by + Eleanora’s kisses. + </p> + <p> + Very tactfully Messer Luigi let the Duke know that his attentions were + acceptable, and that he and his good wife were vastly honoured by his + condescension to their daughter. In view of favours to come, he plainly + intimated that Eleanora was quite at his disposal, or, as he put it, quite + courtier-like, <i>di fare il piacere di Cosimo</i>! + </p> + <p> + The Duke needed no encouragement as the universal lover and ravisher of + the most comely maidens in Florence. He was only too pleased to carry off + this charming young <i>druda</i> to his villa at Castello, and Eleanora + was nothing loth to go—the prospect of a throne has always been an + irresistible attraction to women in all ages! + </p> + <p> + Cosimo’s sons were well aware, as indeed, was the whole Court and the city + too, of their father’s love affairs. The Duke and the Prince-Regent + Francesco were mutually suspicious, and fawning, faithless courtiers + fanned the flame of jealousy and mistrust between them. The father threw + Bianca Cappello into his son’s face, and he, in exchange, flung back + Eleanora degli Albizzi! At length, Cosimo desisted from the acrimonious + warfare, content to let things be as they might be at the Pitti Palace and + Pratolino, whilst he was left in seclusion with his <i>innamorata</i> at + Castello. Cardinal Ferdinando, a boy of fifteen, lived in Rome, and Don + Piero, only ten, was indifferent to such matters, but Duchess Isabella of + Bracciano was intensely interested, an amiable go-between her father and + Don Francesco. Cosimo did nothing with respect to removing the reproach + attached to his intrigue with Eleanora degli Albizzi, and, consequently, + when in December 1566, a little girl was born to him, the whole of + Florence was conventionally shocked. Duchess Giovanna, Don Francesco’s + sanctimonious Austrian wife, offered a vigorous protest, and declined to + have anything to do with the unfortunate young mother and her dissolute + old lover. Her feeling ran so strongly, both with respect to the <i>liaison</i> + of Cosimo and to her husband’s intrigue with the “beautiful Venetian,” + that she made an urgent appeal to her brother, the Emperor Maximilian to + intervene. + </p> + <p> + It was said that the young Duchess sent a copy of her letter to Duke + Cosimo, who was furious at her conduct. He asked her by what right she had + dared to stir up ill-will at the Imperial court, and advised her to mind + her own business in the future. To the Emperor Cosimo, addressed a + dignified reply to the Imperial censure: “I do not seek for quarrels,” he + said, “but I shall not avoid them if they are put in my way by members of + my own family.” + </p> + <p> + What Messer Luigi and Madonna Nannina degli Albizzi thought and said, no + one has related. They could not say much by way of complaint, for they had + foreseen, from the beginning of the Duke’s intimacy with Eleanora, that an + “accident,” as they euphemistically called it, was to be expected. They + had, in fact, sold their child to her seducer, and must be content with + their bargain! + </p> + <p> + Cosimo, for his part, was delighted with his dear little daughter, come to + cheer the autumn of his life. He loaded Eleanora with presents, watched by + her bedside assiduously, and told her joyfully that he meant to marry her + and so legitimatise their little child. Born at Messer Luigi’s, the baby + girl was anxiously watched lest emissaries from the Pitti Palace should + try to get hold of her. + </p> + <p> + The Duke made indeed no secret of his pleasure, and moreover consulted + with his most trusted personal attendant, Sforza Almeni, how the + legitimatisation could be best effected, so as to secure for the little + lady a goodly share in the Ducal patrimony, and also a pension in + perpetuity for the mother, Eleanora. + </p> + <p> + This Sforza Almeni, when quite a youth, had been attached to the household + of Duke Alessandro. He was the son of Messer Vincenzio Almeni, a gentleman + of Perugia, and, when the Duke was assassinated by Lorenzino de’ Medici, + he performed the first charitable offices of the dead upon the bleeding + body. Moreover, young Almeni’s father was a faithful friend and confidant + of Madonna Maria de’ Salviati, the mother of Cosimo. In consequence of the + devotion of both father and son, Sforza was taken into the household of + the new Duke and eventually became his private secretary. + </p> + <p> + With Duchess Eleanora, Sforza became a great favourite, for he was most + sympathetic and helpful in her schemes for the advancement and protection + of her Spanish protégés. Both Cosimo and his consort bestowed many + benefactions upon their faithful servitor. Among them was a monopoly in + the supply of fish from Perugia to Florence, a privilege which put, upon + the average, a good six hundred gold florins per annum into Messer + Sforza’s pocket! + </p> + <p> + The Duke also conferred upon his fortunate and trusty counsellor valuable + property in the parish of San Piero a Quintole, a farm and buildings at + Fiesole, and lastly, in 1565, a very fertile estate at Peccioli, + originally the property of Piero de’ Salviati. + </p> + <p> + Had Messer Sforza Almeni only been content with these opulent + benefactions, all might have gone well with him; but, alas, human ambition + and the interests of self lead good men often enough astray, and the + Duke’s private secretary began to look for favours at the hands of the + heir to the Ducal throne, the Prince-Regent Francesco. In short, he + attempted to serve two masters. + </p> + <p> + With a view to obtain the good graces of Don Francesco, Almeni began a + system of betraying confidences of a strictly private and familiar + character. Blessed with the spirit of flattery, like all consummate + courtiers, he conceived it to be a stroke of excellent personal policy to + purvey for his Highness’ appreciation or the reverse, his father’s + intimate concerns. + </p> + <p> + He repeated the conversation the old Duke and he had held about Eleanora + degli Albizzi and her child, and advised the Prince, for his own + advantage, to inform his father that any steps he might take to advance + his <i>innamorata</i> or their bastard, would be resented by him as Regent + of the Duchy. Apparently Almeni did not regard the young mother with + lenient eyes, but viewed her ascendency over the infatuated Duke with + disfavour, as offering rivalry to his own position. + </p> + <p> + Francesco, smarting under his father’s strictures in respect to his amours + with Bianca Buonaventuri, and resenting his constant interference in his + private affairs no less than in his public duties, was only too ready to + give ear to any scandal which he might turn to good account. At first he + kept his own counsel, but one day, being unusually exasperated with words + of reproach uttered by his father, Francesco proclaimed his displeasure + at, and opposition to, the views of the Duke with respect to Eleanora + degli Albizzi. + </p> + <p> + Cosimo knew at once how his secret had been exposed, and by whom. He + managed to control his passion, but indignantly retorted that there was a + son’s duty to a father which should have taught Francesco to disbelieve + unfavourable rumours. He returned at once to Castello. + </p> + <p> + Sforza Almeni, of course, entirely ignorant that Prince Francesco had + unwittingly betrayed him, presented himself as usual before the Duke to + learn his pleasure. Cosimo addressed him sternly: “Almeni, you have + betrayed my confidence. You, who of all men I trusted implicitly! Go, get + out of my sight. Go at once anywhere you will—only go—never + let me see your face again!” + </p> + <p> + Almeni, dumfounded, set off at once for Florence. He knew too well + Cosimo’s temper to bandy words, and sought interviews with Prince + Francesco and the Duchess Isabella. With their knowledge he remained in + the city, perhaps faintly hoping the Duke might relent and send for him + back. A few days later Cosimo went into Florence, and passing through an + ante-chamber at the Pitti Palace, he was astounded to see Almeni calmly + standing in the recess of a window. + </p> + <p> + No one else was in the room, and, as Almeni saluted his master and + proceeded to make an appeal for mercy, Cosimo became infuriated at his + disobedience and impertinence, and, reaching up to a hunting-trophy on the + wall, he seized a stout boar-spear, and cried out in a loud voice—“Traitor, + base traitor, thou art not fit to live, thou hast slandered thy master and + fouled thy nest! Die!” + </p> + <p> + With a sudden thrust he struck the affrighted Almeni to the heart. It was + a fatal wound, for, with a shriek of agony, the unhappy man fell at his + master’s feet, the shaft of the weapon still fast in his wound. The day + was Wednesday, 22nd May 1566, the Eve of the Annunciation. The corpse lay + there for several hours, and no questions were asked as to how and by whom + Almeni had been done to death. At nightfall the <i>Misericordia</i> + brethren wound him to his burial in the secret vaults of the dismantled + church of San Piero Scheraggio. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In less than a month after the murder of Sforza Almeni, Cosimo’s + dearly-loved little daughter died in sudden convulsions, due, it was + reported, to the administration of poison. Eleanora was inconsolable, and + the Duke did all he could to comfort her. He organised fêtes and + hunting-parties for her, and both at Castello and, even in Florence, he + drove with her quite openly, treating her as his lawful wife. + </p> + <p> + Early in the following year Eleanora was once more <i>enceinte</i> and, on + 13th May, she became the mother of another child, a boy, whom Cosimo + declared was a true likeness of his famous father, Giovanni “delle Bande + Nere,” and consequently that name was given him. The Duke’s happiness knew + no bounds, but the arrival of this second child, born out of wedlock and + in the face of the hot displeasure of Duke Francesco and Duchess Giovanna, + was the disenchantment of Cosimo’s love-dream. The <i>liaison</i> could + not continue, and, truth to tell, Cosimo himself was the cause of its + cessation. The lustful old man had seen another lovely girl in Florence, + and Eleanora’s star became dimmed in the new effulgence! + </p> + <p> + Eleanora’s recovery and convalescence were not this time marked by the + devotion of her lover, he never so much as went near her, although she was + at Castello all the time and Giovanni was born there. The disillusionment + of them both was as immediate as it was dramatic. It was reported that the + Pope had written a remonstrance to Cosimo, and hinted that the creation of + the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which the Duke earnestly coveted, was entirely + out of the question until he had put away his mistress, and had renounced + the errors of his way. + </p> + <p> + It may have been court gossip, but one reason for Duke Cosimo’s drastic + treatment of his <i>innamorata</i>, was the intimacy which had sprung up + between Eleanora and his own precocious and vivacious son, Piero. If the + father had fouled his couch, he could not allow his own son access thereto + as well. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that Duke Cosimo missed the intelligent services of faithful, + faithless Sforza Almeni—he would have done the dirty work of + extricating his master from his false position as well, or better, than + any one else. Eleanora and he had from the first been rivals for the + confidences of the Duke, and hated each other heartily. She had good + grounds doubtless for her contempt and distrust, by reason of the + heartless and mean insinuations affecting her manner of life, which the + trusty private secretary poured into the perhaps too ready ears of his + master. + </p> + <p> + The solution, however, of Cosimo’s dilemma came quite suddenly from a + perfectly unexpected quarter—from the Pitti Palace. Francesco and + Giovanna had never ceased trying to detach the old debauchee from his + lascivious entanglements. His conduct was fatal to the reputation and the + authority of his successor. + </p> + <p> + On 17th July a party of young men of good family riding out of one of the + gates of the city, encountered another like company. One of the former, + Carlo de’ Panciatichi, accidentally cannoned against Jacopo d’Antonio, and + the latter dismounted and demanded satisfaction for the presumed insult. A + duel was promptly arranged, in which young Panciatichi dealt his opponent + a fatal blow with his dagger. D’Antonio fell and was carried to the + hospital of Santa Maria Nuova, where he died three days after. + </p> + <p> + By Duke Cosimo’s recent enactment, such an occurrence was counted as a + criminal offence, which required purgation by the payment of a heavy fine, + failure to pay being punished by sentence of death. The <i>Otto di Guardia + e Balia</i> met and deliberated the matter, and imposed a fine of four + thousand gold lire. This sum Messer Bartolommeo de’ Panciatichi, Carlo’s + father, was unable to pay, and, in consequence, the lad was required to + surrender himself for incarceration in the dungeons of the Bargello. + </p> + <p> + Carlo de’ Panciatichi failed to report himself, and his sentence bore the + added punishment for contempt of court. The unhappy father appealed for + mercy, and, because the law of the Ducal Court was superior to that of the + State, threw himself upon the protection of Duke Francesco. + </p> + <p> + It was woman’s wit which now untied the knot twisted about the young man’s + throat. The Duchess Giovanna has, by some, been credited with the + origination of the tactful expedient, but some say Bianca Buonaventuri was + its inspiratrix. Anyhow, the solution came in a form agreeable to all + parties concerned, namely, the full pardon of the criminal—on + condition of his immediate marriage with Eleanora degli Albizzi! + </p> + <p> + Carlo de’ Panciatichi was thus made the scapegoat for Duke Cosimo’s + intrigue. The sentence of the <i>Otto</i> was quashed by the payment by + the Duke of the heavy fine imposed in the first case; and in response to + Duke Francesco’s request, the charge of contempt was withdrawn. Neither + Carlo nor Eleanora were consulted in the matter, but she was laden with + costly presents by Duke Cosimo, and ten thousand gold florins found their + way into Carlo’s empty pockets! + </p> + <p> + This timely arrangement was made on 20th July, and Carlo and Eleanora + became man and wife the following month. Duke Cosimo on the same day + caused little Giovanni to be legitimatised, and he was entered in the + Register of Baptisms as “Giovanni de’ Medici, undoubted son of Cosimo I. + Duke of Florence and Siena.” An ample provision was made for the child’s + maintenance by the Duke, and Carlo de’ Panciatichi agreed to his being an + inmate in his house along with his mother. + </p> + <p> + The marriage was celebrated privately in the presence of the two Dukes, in + the chapel of the Pitti Palace, and the young couple at once took up their + residence at the Panciatichi Palace in the Via Larga. Upon Carlo was + conferred the order of “Knight of San Stefano,” and Messer Bartolommeo, + his father, was enrolled as a senator for life. + </p> + <p> + It would appear that Eleanora abandoned herself to her new life with + exemplary fortitude and resignation. She certainly had exchanged “new + lamps for old,” and she made the best of an honourable marriage, in spite + of the violent and arrogant manner of her husband, whose fame as a violent + <i>braggadocio</i> was a safeguard against the advances of young Piero de’ + Medici. Three years after the marriage a child was born, to whom the name + of Cosimo was given, a laconic compliment to the old libertine! A second + son appeared in 1571, Bartolommeo, but he died within a twelvemonth of his + birth, and then, in 1577, came a third child to the Panciatichi mansion, + another Bartolommeo, so Eleanora decreed. This boy, however, brought with + him ineffaceable trouble, for Cavaliere Carlo refused to acknowledge him, + and angrily pointed to Don Piero de’ Medici as his putative father! + </p> + <p> + Piero made light of this charge—he was well used to that sort of + thing, but, with rare effrontery, he held the infant at the font, whilst + Panciatichi absented himself, and Eleanora made a tacit avowal of his + parentage. The relations between Carlo and his wife had quite naturally + never been of the best, and as gradually fears of death, upon the scaffold + faded, or by a retributive d’Antonio hand, and he found himself the + untrammelled master of his actions, he began to resent the callousness of + the arrangement with Duke Cosimo, after 1570, Grand Duke of Tuscany. + </p> + <p> + Eleanora’s intrigue with Don Piero clenched the matter of her cohabitation + with her husband. Carlo refused her both bed and board, and, in the spring + of 1578, he forced her into the Franciscan convent of San Onofrio da + Foligno—a favourite place of sanctuary for dishonoured gentlewomen! + </p> + <p> + Poor, sinful, sinned-against Eleanora, the pathetic example of a young and + beautiful life wasted and corrupted by the ill-conditioned lusts of a + profligate lover and his libertine son! With her freedom of action + absolutely curtailed, and her complete isolation from her family, the gay + and attractive mistress of Castello and of the Medici Palace at Pisa, with + countless admirers and many lovers, was indeed an object of sympathetic + commiseration. To be sure, the Cavaliere made ample provision for his + wife’s maintenance, appointed a small suite of attendants, and permitted + her to carry with her many cherished bits of furniture and <i>bric-à-brac</i>. + He likewise committed to her charge both her children, and offered no + objection to occasional visits to his mother of Don Giovanni de’ Medici, + now a growing boy of eleven. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke Francesco cordially approved this arrangement. With respect + to certain jewels and personal effects which Eleanora retained, the Grand + Duke made an order that, as they belonged to <i>Guardaroba</i> of the + Sovereign, they should be deposited, during the period of her residence in + the convent, in the State Treasury. + </p> + <p> + Then a thick veil was drawn over the life of Eleanora di Cavaliere Carlo + de’ Panciatichi, and the gates of the convent were closed upon her, never + to be opened for her egress! Her beauty and her talents, and the gaiety of + her manner were matured, cultivated and restrained in harmony with her + melancholy surroundings. Youth gave way to middle age, and middle age to + the crepuscule of life, and the seasons came, and the seasons went, and + one life in that sanctuary seemed fated to go on for ever. Forgotten and + unvisited, Eleanora, the <i>druda</i> of Cosimo I., cast off and spurned; + the <i>innamorata</i> of Piero de’ Medici, wronged and despised; the wife + of Carlo de’ Panciatichi, divorced and cloistered, lived on and on, far + beyond the scriptural limit of threescore years and ten—the pathetic + victim of a callous world. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>Libri di Ricordanze</i> of the convent is a notice for the year + 1634, which startles the sympathetic reader of the tragedy of Eleanora + degli Albizzi: “Upon 19th March of this year there passed to a better life + the most illustrious Lady, Donna Eleanora degli Albizzi de’ Panciatichi, + who had resided in this monastery for fifty-six years, and had reached the + ninetieth year of her age. She lived in the odour of sanctity with the + devotion of a religious, and endowed the monastery with a goodly bequest.” + The <i>Cosa di Cosimo—per il piacere di Cosimo</i>! as time-serving, + unfatherlike Messer Luigi degli Albizzi called the immolation of his fair + young daughter, had become the Bride of Christ! + </p> + <p> + And what of unsympathetic, violent Carlo de’ Panciatichi? Well, he, too, + got his deserts. The very year after he had put away his wife, he again + made himself liable to execution for murder. One morning a servant of his, + Sebastiano del Valdarno, who had not been paid wages due to him, ventured + to remind his master of the circumstance. Cavaliere Carlo, who could never + tolerate demands for money with equanimity, was enraged by the man’s + presumption, and, seizing hold of a heavy pouch full of bronze <i>denari</i>, + he flung it at the unlucky fellow, saying—“Go to hell and take your + money with you!” + </p> + <p> + The impact fractured the man’s skull and he died in hospital! Again + Panciatichi was condemned to a heavy fine, with the capital sentence <i>in + contumacia</i>, by the <i>Otto di Guardia e Balia</i>. He was conveyed to + prison, the old <i>Stinche</i>, until he paid the fine. Eleanora, in her + convent, heard of his punishment, and actually rendered him good for evil, + as a tender-hearted and suffering woman would quite naturally do. She + pleaded with the Grand Duke Francesco for his deliverance, and joined her + son, Don Giovanni de’ Medici, in her appeal. + </p> + <p> + Cavaliere Carlo de’ Panciatichi was not set free till November 1581, when + he had fully paid all the claims preferred against him by the family of + the man he had slain, which included a provision for a certain <i>contadina</i>. + She was a superior domestic servant in the employment of the Panciatichi + family, and a personal attendant upon Eleanora. Madonna Ginevra, she was + called, and she had two little girls. Whether these children were the + Cavaliere’s, no one has related, but upon the death of their mother they, + too, found asylum at the convent of Sant Onofrio, and were tenderly + treated by sad and lonesome Madonna Eleanora—a sweet and pathetic + action indeed! + </p> + <p> + The Cavaliere raised his head once more under the guilty rule of Grand + Duke Francesco’s murderer, the unscrupulous Cardinal Ferdinando, and by + him was appointed a Gentleman of Honour and a member of the new Grand + Ducal Council of Two-Hundred. He died long before his doubly-wronged, + unhappy wife, Eleanora, on the 27th February 1620. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + With Cammilla de’ Martelli came the end of the prosperous reign and the + end of the profligate life of Cosimo de’ Medici, last Duke of Florence and + first Grand Duke of Tuscany. She was the youngest of the two daughters, + the only children, of Messer Antonio di Domenico de’ Martelli, and his + wife, Madonna Fiammetta, the daughter of Messer Niccolo de’ Soderini, a + descendant of that earlier Niccolo, the self-seeking and unscrupulous + adviser of Don Piero de’ Medici. + </p> + <p> + The Martelli traced their origin through two lines of ancestry: to the + Picciandoni of Pisa in the thirteenth century, and to the Stabbielli of + the Val di Sieve in the fourteenth. They appear to have settled in the Via + degli Spadai, and to have “hammered” among the armourers there, so + successfully, that their name was given to the street in lieu of its more + ancient designation. + </p> + <p> + Messer Domenico, Cammilla’s great-grandfather, was one of Savonarola’s + keenest opponents, chiefly in the interests of the Medici, and the great + Cosimo counted him among his most trusty friends, but he suffered for his + fidelity by being assassinated in 1531, by one Paolo del Nero. Another + relative of Cammilla died tragically, Lodovico, who was killed by Giovanni + Bandini in a duel at Poggio Baroncelli in 1530—a duel fought for the + hand and heart of the beauteous Marietta de’ Ricci, a relative of that + other fateful flirt, Cassandra, who was the cause of Pietro Buonaventuri’s + tragic death, and died by the knives of assassins. + </p> + <p> + The Martelli were associated with many of the pious works of the Medici: + for example, they assisted munificently in the building and endowment of + the great church of San Lorenzo. In some way or other Messer Antonio had + lit on evil days, at all events he appears to have lost the banking + business, which had been mainly operative in the raising of his house, and + had reverted to the less lucrative but still honourable occupation of his + family—the craft of sword-making. He carried on his business in a + house which he rented under the shadow of the Palazzo Pitti. + </p> + <p> + Both Cammilla and her elder sister Maria were good-looking girls. The + latter, in 1566, married a wealthy shoemaker from Siena, Gaspare Chinucci, + but her husband divorced her; and then Duke Cosimo caused her father to + marry her, in 1572, to an opulent foreign merchant—Messer + Baldassarre Suarez, who had come over from Spain and was a protégé of the + Duchess Eleanora. + </p> + <p> + Cammilla, born in 1547, possessed all the personal attractiveness which + distinguished her mother, whose sister, Nannina, the wife of Messer Luigi + degli Albizzi, was mother of Eleanora, Duke Cosimo’s <i>druda</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Tall and of a good figure, fair complexion, with light hair, and a pair + of dark eyes like two brilliant stars, she was also most graceful in her + carriage and manner, full of intelligence in conversation, and quite + naturally fond of admiration and amours.” This is a contemporary + word-picture of the physical and mental charms of one of the most lovely + girls that ever tripped merrily along the Lung’ Arno Acciaiuoli—in + the footsteps of Beatrice de’ Portinari. + </p> + <p> + That promenade of Prince Cupid was always thronged by the belles and beaux + of Florentine society. There the young men, and old men too, could meet + and salute their <i>innamorate</i>. Duke Cosimo had not observed for + nothing the daily walk of his fascinating young neighbour, he never + overlooked a pretty face and comely figure, and his heart was large enough + to entertain the loves of many women! His experience was very much like + that of Dante Alighieri, who one day saw his Beatrice “in quite a new and + entrancing light.” + </p> + <p> + It was in May, in 1564, when all was gay and fresh in Florence, that Duke + Cosimo chanced upon Cammilla de’ Martelli, as he passed on his way from + the Pitti Palace to Castello, to dawdle with the lovely Eleanora degli + Albizzi, her cousin. Something prompted the Duke to accost the maiden,—her + blush and his own tremor revealed delightful possibilities quite in his + way! Very warily he approached Messer Antonio. His idea was probably to + keep Eleanora at the Villa del Castello, and to take Cammilla away to his + favourite residence, the Palace at Pisa. + </p> + <p> + If Don Francesco and Duchess Giovanna were aggrieved by the intrigue + already going on, it was conceivable that the trouble would be greatly + intensified by a second. Cosimo did not wish their increased displeasure + nor publicity, so, for a while, he kept his hopes and his intentions to + himself. At last, inflamed more and more by the fresh, unsullied beauty of + Cammilla, he broached his proposition to Messer Antonio. Greatly in need + of money, and hoping much from court patronage, the unnatural father + determined to follow the example of his brother-in-law, and surrender, for + a worthy consideration, his child as a “<i>Cosa di Cosimo il Duca</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The cast-off Eleanora was married, as we have read, to Cavaliere Carlo de’ + Panciatichi in September 1567, and on 28th May—eight months after—Cammilla + de’ Martelli gave birth, at Pisa, to a dear little girl, the latest child + of Duke Cosimo! This was by no means to the mind of Duke Francesco, and + news of the birth quickly reached the ears of the Pope. His Holiness at + once despatched a courier to Duke Cosimo, urging him to legitimatise the + child by his immediate marriage with the mother. + </p> + <p> + This was not at all what the Duke wanted; he preferred, of course, to be + quite free to love any girl or woman that he might single out. + Nevertheless the pressure was so great that he was compelled to yield; + and, in January 1569, he took Cammilla to be his wedded wife, but not to + share his Ducal title! That was forbidden by the emphatic opposition of + the acting Duke and Duchess, and by the direct intervention of the Emperor + Maximilian. + </p> + <p> + Messer Antonio de’ Martelli was in ecstasies, and his unconcealed delight + gained for him the nickname “<i>Il Balencio</i>,” “like Whalebone”! It is + said that when his wife’s kinsman, Alamanno de’ Pazzi, ventured to + congratulate him at his house in the Via Maggio, he found the place gaily + decorated, and musicians playing before the door! + </p> + <p> + “What is this brave show for, Messer Antonio?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Ser Alamanno, I have married my daughter to the Duke Cosimo. Rejoice + with me to-day. We have now no relations but Emperors and Princes, what + would you!” + </p> + <p> + Cosimo created his wife’s father a Knight of the Order of San Stefano and + endowed him with a good annual income. At the same time he advanced + Madonna Maria di Baldassarre Suarez to the rank of a Gentlewoman of the + Court, and caused unhappy Gaspare Chinucci to be banished out of Tuscany; + some indeed say that he even instigated his assassination! Messer Suarez + was promoted to an honourable place at Court, and his name was changed to + Martelli. Two sons and a daughter blessed his union with Madonna Maria. + Violante, as the girl was christened, grew up, as beautiful as her aunt + Cammilla, with a pair of eyes like hers, and nothing could restrain the + passion of that young libertine, Don Piero de’ Medici, for love of her—he + was indeed his father’s son! + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless she was not to be his <i>innamorata</i> alone, for Cardinal + Ferdinando also “came and saw and conquered,” and young Violante became + his chief mistress in Florence—the rival in his affections of his + father’s fascinating young wife, her aunt Cammilla. + </p> + <p> + In 1570, Cosimo went in State to Rome to be crowned by the Pope as first + Grand Duke of Tuscany. From his Holiness he obtained a reversion of the + title in perpetuity for his descendants. The Easter of that year he spent + at the Pitti Palace, and then he hurried off to Castello to pass the rest + of his days with his dearly-loved and charming young wife. + </p> + <p> + Once there, he dismissed almost all the members of his suite, retaining + only two secretaries, a chaplain (!) and two couriers, wishing to lead the + quiet life of a country gentleman. He apportioned to his wife Cammilla + four gentlewomen as maids of honour. Henceforward neither Cosimo nor + Cammilla were seen but rarely in Florence. They spent their time together + either at Castello, at Poggio a Caiano, or in Pisa. + </p> + <p> + December and May had been mated—the former had his consolations, but + the latter pined quite naturally for young society. Love is cold and love + is captious where age and temperament disagree. Cammilla sighed for the + gaieties, the pleasures, and gallantries of Florence. Love’s young dream + had not been hers, she had not chosen her ancient lover. But admiration + for her sprang from a likely though an unexpected quarter, and her + cavalier was not warned off by a jealous husband, as was poor Eleanora + degli Albizzi’s. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duke Cosimo, to the very last, kept up the appearance of + religion, if not its realities. The fact that a son of his was a member of + the Sacred College, and a possible occupant of the chair of St Peter, + covered a multitude of sins; not that Cardinal Ferdinando was a mirror of + virtue or an example of sanctity. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinando’s relations with Francesco and Bianca were as bad as could be. + His arrogance and extortions rendered his presence at the Florentine court + unwelcome and even dangerous. At Castello and Poggio a Caiano, on the + other hand, he was an honoured guest, and, for lack of lovers, his young + stepmother was not displeased by his attentions. Cosimo kept her strictly + in seclusion, and she had not the courage, or, be it said, the impudence + of her stepdaughter, the Duchess of Bracciano. The loves of the Cardinal + and Cammilla were in secret and unprovocative; indeed, the Grand Duke + encouraged the intrigue, as being “for Cammilla’s good.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a pretty state of affairs. One son, Piero, the seducer of his + mistress, Eleanora degli Albizzi, the other, Ferdinando, the lover of his + wife! It would be very difficult, perhaps impossible, to exonerate Cosimo + from the blame of Cammilla’s unfaithfulness. If she sinned, she did so + helplessly. + </p> + <p> + Alas, that she listened not only to the amorous vows of Ferdinando, but + also gave credence to his views concerning the Grand Duke and Grand + Duchess in Florence. She knew, of course, that there was no love lost + between herself and them; and she was quite ready to entertain the evil + insinuations which the late Duchess Giovanna had ventilated with reference + to Bianca. + </p> + <p> + This cabal was perfectly well known to the Grand Duke Cosimo, but he let + matters take their course; all he cared for was the embraces of his + attractive wife and the flatteries of his hypocritical son. The death of + Duchess Giovanna threw Ferdinando and Cammilla more than ever into one + another’s arms. What, and if Francesco and Bianca died without male heir! + Why, on the death of Cosimo, Ferdinando and Cammilla might succeed to the + Grand Ducal throne. This was the temptation which the Cardinal placed, + like a young bud, in Cammilla’s bosom. She was but human—very human; + she had been slighted by the non-allowance of rank as Grand Duchess. + Perhaps Destiny had still that distinction in reserve. She would wait. + </p> + <p> + The pathos of Cammilla’s life deepened during the last four years of Grand + Duke Cosimo’s life. He became a constant sufferer with many infirmities. + The strenuous life he had lived, with its exercise of lustful love and + lurid hate, tried to the breaking point his iron constitution. Gout was + his direst torment, a malady productive of ill-humour at its worst, and + poor Cammilla, lonely wife, nurse, companion, had none to share his + impatience. + </p> + <p> + Her own health gave way under the strain, and her indisposition pointed to + apoplexy and to mental trouble. But deliverance came at last. On 20th + April 1574, Cosimo breathed his last at Poggio a Caiano, in his + fifty-fifth year. By his death-bed there watched only his chastened wife + and his sanctimonious son. Of his other surviving children, Isabella—once + his favourite—had suffered for sixteen years the misunderstandings + and the heartburnings which her heartless marriage-contract had imposed; + she was estranged from him and from Cammilla, and from the Cardinal. Piero + was a wastrel, the exponent of his father’s worst passions—Piero, “<i>Il + Scandalezzatore</i>” as he was rightly called. Francesco had borne ten + years’ embarrassment as quasi-ruler of the State, subject to ceaseless + cautions and contradictions: he was, in no sensuous or homicidal sense, + his father’s son. All three stayed markedly away from Poggio a Caiano. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Almost the first act of the new Sovereign was the enclosure of his + father’s young widow in a convent! He placed her first with the + Benedictine nuns of the Vergine dell’ Annunziata delle Murate, and then in + the noble sanctuary of Santa Monica, not with her poor cousin Eleanora + degli Albizzi away at Foligno! + </p> + <p> + This certainly appears to the ordinary reader of romances a cruel and + unjustifiable act, but to the student of diplomatic expediency, it was a + foregone conclusion. The security of Francesco’s rule depended entirely + upon the suppression of dynastic intrigues. The person of Ferdinando was + unassailable; as a Prince of the Church he had prerogatives which could + not be removed by any temporal sovereign. All that Francesco could do was + to forbid his presence upon Tuscan territory, and this he did. + </p> + <p> + It does not appear that the unhappy Cammilla de’ Medici was harshly used; + indeed her residence within the convent was made as agreeable as possible, + and she had the privilege of receiving visitors, other than political. + Madonna Costanza de’ Pazzi and eight other noble ladies were attached to + her suite, with five Gentlemen of Honour and several domestics. + </p> + <p> + Cavaliere Antonio de’ Martelli pleaded in vain his right as father of + Cammilla to take her and her child back under the parental roof. The Grand + Duke was immovable in his resolution, he counselled the father to let the + matter rest, and gave him and Madonna Fiammetta free access to their + daughter, but, on no account, was she to visit them. + </p> + <p> + As in the case of Eleanora degli Albizzi, an inventory of jewellery and + other treasures was made, and whilst Cammilla was permitted to retain + certain articles, such objects as were regarded as the property of the + reigning Grand Duchess were transferred to the <i>Guardaroba</i> of + Bianca. Apparently Francesco determined that no action of his against his + father’s widow should be construed into a menace against his Government. + </p> + <p> + Writing to the Grand Duke, on 7th August 1574, soon after Cammilla’s + reception, the Very Reverend Abbess of Santa Monica humbly thanked his + Serene Highness “for the generous treatment of the young widow, and begs + remembrance of his good offices for her and for the convent generally.” + </p> + <p> + Trustees were appointed, under the presidency of Messer Roberto de’ + Adimari, the Chancellor of the Monte de’ Pieta, for the administration of + the one hundred and four thousand gold florins—the fortune left by + Duke Cosimo to the Lady Cammilla, which produced an annual income of four + thousand eight hundred gold florins a year, equal to about £2000. + </p> + <p> + Cammilla settled down as best she could to a life of leisured ease—a + lonesome woman, a prisoner under close observation. News of the outside + world she had, and when the report of the horrors of the year 1576 reached + her, she was prostrated with grief. Indeed, her time seems to have been + spent with repining, weeping and sickness—a piteous existence for a + young woman of twenty-seven. + </p> + <p> + At length Cammilla braced herself to bear her disappointments, her trials, + her imprisonment, with fortitude, and, like the good woman she really was, + she set to work to occupy her time, and that of her suite, in useful and + interesting occupations. Gardening and the care of flowers attracted her, + and soon the cloisters of the convent were converted into bowers of roses + and myrtles. + </p> + <p> + Her ladies and the nuns also, she encouraged in all elegant handicrafts—silk-embroidery, + lace-making, and other stitchery. The results of their industry procured + immediate custom, and the noble cloths and lustrous silks of Santa Monica, + with the Lady Cammilla’s initials attached, became famous far and near. + These objects consisted of pillow-cases, screens, portières, decorative + panels, banners, scarves, cushions, handkerchiefs, bodices and various + other details of feminine attire, with rich vestments for the clergy, and + sumptuous altar-cloths. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Duchess Bianca, who, with characteristic sweetness and + generosity, had all along sympathised with poor Lady Cammilla, was the + best customer of the convent industries, and, moreover, she frequently + visited the gentle prisoner, and showed her many charming attentions. For + two Medici brides, also, Cammilla superintended the preparation of + trousseaux—her own daughter Virginia, Duke Cosimo’s child, and the + Grand Duke’s eldest daughter, Maria, who married King Henry IV. of France. + </p> + <p> + Another sort of employment found in the Lady Cammilla an earnest and + skilful directress, namely, the manufacture of sweetmeats, preserves, + compôtes, pastries, and every sort of delectable confectionery. Perfumes + and liqueurs—usually the piquant produce of monasteries—were + also cunningly extracted by Cammilla’s subtle formulas. These elegant + specialities she gave away to old friends and visitors—enclosed in + delicate little glass and porcelain bottles and jars of her own design. + </p> + <p> + The fame of the Lady Cammilla’s skill and patronage reached foreign + courts, and notable visitors to Florence did not fail to pay their + courtesies to the great lady of the convent. Two of these, the Archpriest + Monsignore Simone Fortuna, confessor of the Duke of Urbino, and Cavaliere + Ercole Cortile, the ambassador of Ferrara, have recorded their visits and + their pleasure at seeing “La Serena Signora” in genial company and + philanthropically employed. The wily priest added, with sanctimonious + admiration for female beauty: “La Martelli is as fascinating as ever!” + </p> + <p> + Still, liberty is liberty, and captivity—even when made as + attractive and as unoppressive as possible—is still captivity. The + Lady Cammilla never left the confines of her convent for twelve long + years, and not till 4th February 1586 was she allowed a <i>congé</i>. Then + a sumptuous cavalcade, with splendid sedan-chairs, halted at the main + portal of Santa Monica, and out of one stepped the Grand Duchess Bianca, + in gorgeous State robes. She had come to escort in person the Lady + Cammilla, with every mark of respect and honour, to the marriage of her + daughter, Virginia de’ Medici! + </p> + <p> + The young girl was just eighteen, passably old for a sixteenth-century + noble bride! In 1575, she had been assigned as the consort in prospect of + Cavaliere Mario Sforza, General of the army of the Grand Duke Francesco. + The match, however, was broken off, when Cardinal Alessandro Sforza died, + and left an immense fortune, but not to his nephew Mario, as had been + expected; and so Mario proved to be too poor a suitor for the girl’s hand. + </p> + <p> + Mario, on his side, had cooled much in his ardour for Virginia. Reports of + the Cardinal de’ Medici’s—Ferdinando’s—familiarities, not only + with the mother, but with the daughter also, were rife in Florence and in + Rome. Sufficient grounds there were for him to accept the cancellation of + the proposal with equanimity. The Marchese, for so he had been created, + was not a whit more virtuous than the men of his day, but the sensuous are + always the harshest judges of their kind! + </p> + <p> + No, Virginia was, after all, married to Don Cesare d’Este, Duke of Modena. + She had by the way, been promised, in 1581, to Francesco Sforza di Santa + Fiora, but he changed his mind and renounced the world—conventionally + of course—to accept the Cardinal’s red hat and privileges from the + hands of Pope Gregory XIII. So constantly were natural human instincts + dulled by the contrariety of fashion in those degenerate days! + </p> + <p> + Of Virginia’s marriage Torquato Tasso, the Grand Duchess Bianca’s + enamoured poet-laureate, sang: + </p> + <p> + “Cio che morte rallenta Amore restringa!” + </p> + <p> + Virginia died in 1615—some said she was poisoned by her husband—the + last of a degraded race. <i>Sic transit gloria Medici!</i> + </p> + <p> + The ceremonial of the nuptials was as splendid as a sumptuous Court could + make it, and as became the union of a princess of the House of Medici with + an ambitious foreign Sovereign. But whilst men and women gossiped + delightedly about the charms of the beauteous young bride and the gallant + bearing of the groom, every tongue expressed wonderment at the gracious, + stately figure of the Lady Cammilla. The chorus of popular applause was + hushed, however, when the pathos of her story struck sorrowful chords in + every heart. + </p> + <p> + Upon the obverse of the medals struck for the Duke Cosimo for their + wedding, twelve years before, the Signora is represented as a + finely-developed woman, with the proud profile of a true daughter of + Florence, a high brow, a shapely nose, full cheeks, and a dimpled chin. + Her attire is rich, she wears costly jewels, and her hair is tastefully + coiffured. + </p> + <p> + What Cammilla’s feelings were, she only knew, and she told them to no one; + she bore herself loftily, and made no one her confidante. After the + solemnity and festivities she betook herself once more—she had no + other choice—to her convent prison, the poorer for the loss of her + cherished child, the richer in the estimation of all good people. + </p> + <p> + Henceforth, her inclusion among the Religious was to be more rigorous, and + she never expected to be seen again in Florence: dolorous indeed must have + been that parting with the world she loved, but so little knew. She viewed + the coming years with apprehension and hopelessness. She had not reached + the measure of her destiny, but for that, mercifully, she had not very + long to wait, and yet there was to be another slight rift in the clouds of + misery. + </p> + <p> + From time to time Cammilla had suffered from fainting fits and attacks of + hysteria, but after her separation from Virginia, these increased greatly + in frequency and intensity. Skilful medical treatment was of no avail, and + at length her doctors appealed to the Grand Duke for some relaxation of + her imprisonment. Freedom from restraint and the benefit of urgently + needed change, they knew, would work wonders in the way of recovery. + </p> + <p> + Don Francesco was immovable to all such representations; he had over and + over again declined to reverse or modify his decision. His fully justified + fear of the Cardinal’s intrigues acted as a negative magnet to all his + best propositions. He and she were bound together, he felt sure, in + schemes for his own undoing, and Bianca’s too. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Cammilla’s life became at last intolerable; sickness, suspicion, + and discontent fastened their dire influences upon her. She neglected + useful and ornamental pastimes, became morose and impatient, and gave way + to fits of frenzied desperation. The Abbess, greatly alarmed, took counsel + with her spiritual advisers, who judged that the unhappy lady was losing + her reason, and, perchance, her soul. Her condition became so critical + that in April 1587 the Tuscan ambassador in Rome applied to the Pope for + permission for the chaplain of the convent to celebrate a Mass for the + exorcism of the poor lady! + </p> + <p> + In October of that year the fell schemes of Cardinal Ferdinando had, at + last, their fruition, and the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess died together + at Poggio a Caiano, victims of his jealousy and hate. He obtained at last + what he had striven for so unscrupulously for twenty years—the + succession to the Tuscan throne. + </p> + <p> + Be it, however, in justice told, with respect to the Lady Cammilla, for, + when he had spurned the dead body of the Grand Duchess, and hypocritically + sad, had followed the remains of his poisoned brother to San Lorenzo, he + went right off to the convent of Santa Monica, and acquainted her + personally with the fact of delivery from a living tomb. + </p> + <p> + They had only met very occasionally during the last few years, and she had + changed greatly—perhaps he had, too. Her terrible trials, her bodily + sicknesses, and her mental derangements had made ineffaceable marks in the + erstwhile beauteous girl, and Cammilla de’ Medici was no longer possible + as the wife of the renegade Cardinal. Marriage was out of the question for + her; indeed, her very existence was at stake, and all that Ferdinando + could do was to alleviate the sufferings of his <i>innamorata</i>, and to + cheer her declining days. + </p> + <p> + Many years before, Ferdinando had purchased a piece of ground at the + confluence of the Arno and Pesa, and, upon it, he built the Villa + Ambrogiana, which he furnished in lavish style, boasting that “it will be + handy when I come into my own!” This estate, with a sufficient household, + he made over to the Lady Cammilla, for her own free use. Before, however, + she took up her residence, Ferdinando, now, of course, Grand Duke of + Tuscany, placed at her disposal a country villa in the Val d’Ema, to which + the suffering Signora was taken, in the hope that the fresh air and + pleasant outlook would assist the recovery of her health and spirits. + </p> + <p> + She improved wonderfully in every way—the fact that she was again + her own mistress and free to come and go at will, fortified her immensely, + and she determined to devote the residue of her life to the interests of + Ferdinando. Called upon, at his succession to the throne, to renounce his + spiritual character—it was a character, indeed, which ill-fitted him—the + new Grand Duke devoted himself to the duties of his high station. The Lady + Cammilla, who had been his confidante in days gone by, was still retained + as counseller and guide. Marriage was the most urgent necessity of the + Grand Duke for the procreation of legitimate heirs. + </p> + <p> + He was surrounded by heirs-presumptive and aspirants to the throne—Don + Antonio, his brother’s adopted son; Don Giovanni, his father’s + legitimatised son by Eleanora degli Albizzi; his brother Piero, and any + one of his bastard sons, and several other scions of the house. The Lady + Cammilla entered heartily into all her stepson’s ideas, and quickly, + though doubtlessly regretfully, agreed with him that a brilliant foreign + alliance was an absolute necessity. + </p> + <p> + Together they passed in review the names of all the eligible princesses in + Europe, and at last their choice fell upon Princess Christina, the young + daughter of Charles, Duke of Lorraine, and nephew of Queen Caterina de’ + Medici. She was received in Florence with joy, and married to the Grand + Duke in 1589. The Lady Cammilla graced the nuptials with her presence, + laying aside the dark-hued garments of sorrow which she had assumed and + worn so long. + </p> + <p> + That was the last time Cammilla was seen in public; she retired first to + her villa on the Arno, and then, seeing that the symptoms of illness were + returning, she voluntarily retired once more into what had been her prison + and her home—the convent of Santa Monica, where she breathed her + last on the 30th of May 1590, at the early age of forty-five, to the + unutterable sorrow of the devoted ladies of her suite and her faithful + attendants. In the <i>Libri de’ Morti</i> (1577-1591) we read under that + date: “La Signora Cammilla d’il Serenissimo Gran Duca Cosimo de’ Medici, + despositata in San Lorenzo.” Some say she died imbecile. + </p> + <p> + Upon the reverse of one medal, which Cosimo had struck in honour of their + nuptials, was cut around the heraldic emblazonment of an oak tree and a + dragon, her legend: “<i>Uno avulso non deficit alter aureus</i>.” This may + be the epitome of her life’s history, and upon it one may moralise at + will; and certainly readers of the “Tragedy of Cammilla de’ Martelli” will + admit that a spoilt life is as great a catastrophe as a violent death. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + It requires no great stretch of the imagination to picture the morals and + the manners of society in Tuscany during the last half of the sixteenth + century. The superabundance of private riches and the enervation of idle + leisure destroyed the framework of domestic economy; “<i>Di fare il + Signore</i>!”—to play the gentleman—was the current mode. + Everyone strove to surpass his neighbours in luxury and extravagance. + </p> + <p> + The example of the Court was felt in every grade of life: marital + unfaithfulness, personal spleen, and family feuds divided every household. + The worst of human passions ran riot, and life became a pandemonium, + wherein the sharp poignard, the poison phial, and the strangling rope, + played their part at the dastardly will of their owners. + </p> + <p> + Fair Florence was still—as she will ever be—“The City of the + Lily”; but the blue and silver emblematic <i>giglio</i>—the modestly + unfolding fragrant iris of the unsophisticated countryside, drooped before + the flaming, passionate tiger-lily of the formal garden of debauchery, + with its pungent odour and its secretive, incurled scarlet petals—splashed + with the blacks and yellows of crime and greed! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nature ever + Finding discordant fortune, like all seed + Out of its proper climate, thrives but ill: + But were the world content to work, + And work on the foundation Nature lays, + It would not lack of excellence.” ... + + IL PARADISO, <i>Canto viii</i>. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY + </h2> + <p> + <i>Anecdota Letteraria</i>. 4 vols. Florence. 1773. + </p> + <p> + Bocchi, F., <i>Le Bellezze della Citta di Firenze</i>. Florence. 1591. + </p> + <p> + Corsini, B., <i>Lorenzino de’ Medici</i>. Florence. 1890. + </p> + <p> + Cronacci, F., <i>Lorenzo de’ Medici</i>. Florence. 1760. + </p> + <p> + Dumas, A., <i>Une Année a Florence</i>. 2 vols. Paris. 1841. + </p> + <p> + Dumas, A., <i>Les Galeries de Florence</i>. Paris. 1842. + </p> + <p> + Fabroni, A., <i>Vie de Laurent de Medicis</i>. Paris. 1791. + </p> + <p> + Ferrai, L.A., <i>Lorenzino de’ Medici</i>. Florence. 1891. + </p> + <p> + Ferruccio, M., <i>Lorenzino de’ Medici</i>. Florence. 1890. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Galetti, P. <i>Poësie di Don Francisco de’ Medici e Bianca Cappello</i>. + Florence. 1894. +</pre> + <p> + Guerrazzi, F.D., <i>Isabella d’Orsini</i>. Florence. 1847. + </p> + <p> + Hyett, F.A., <i>Florence: Her History and Art</i>. London. 1903. + </p> + <p> + Landucci, L., <i>Diario Fiorentino</i>—1400-1526. Florence. 1883. + </p> + <p> + Lêcluse, E.J. de, <i>Florence et ses Vicissitudes</i>. Paris. 1837. + </p> + <p> + Levantini, P.G., <i>Lucrezia de’ Tornabuoni</i>. Florence. 1888. + </p> + <p> + Litta, P., <i>Famiglie Cêlêbri Italiani</i>. 11 vols. Milan. 1819. + </p> + <p> + Macchiavelli, N., <i>Le Istorie Fiorentine</i>. Florence. 1888. + </p> + <p> + Müntz, E., <i>Florence et La Toscane</i>. Paris. 1901. + </p> + <p> + Napier, H.E., <i>Florentine History</i>. 6 vols. London. 1846. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Nestor, J., <i>Histoire des Homme Célèbre de la Maison de Medicis</i>. + Paris. 1564. +</pre> + <p> + Odorici, P., <i>Bianca Cappello</i>. Florence. 1860. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Perrens, F.T., <i>La Civilisation Florentine</i>. Paris. 1893. + Do. <i>Histoire de Florence</i>. 6 vols. Paris. 1877. + Do. <i>Histoire de Florence</i>—1434-1531. 3 vols. Paris. 1888. +</pre> + <p> + Rastrelli, M., <i>Storia di Alessandro de’ Medici</i>. 2 vols. Florence. + 1781. + </p> + <p> + Reumont, Alf. de, <i>Lorenzo de’ Medici</i>. 2 vols. Paris. 1876. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Ross, Janet, <i>Florentine Palaces and their Stories</i>. London. + 1905. +</pre> + <p> + Roscoe, W., <i>Lorenzo il Magnifico</i>. London. 1847. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +San Severino, G.R., <i>Historie de la Vie de Bianca Cappello</i>. + Milan. 1790. +</pre> + <p> + Saltini, G.E., <i>Tragedie Medicee</i>. Florence. 1898. + </p> + <p> + Siefenkies, J.P.L., <i>Life of Bianca Cappello</i>. London. 1787. + </p> + <p> + Staley, R., <i>The Guilds of Florence</i>. London. 1906. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Tenhove, N., <i>Memoirs of the House of Medici</i>. 2 vols. London. + 1797. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Trollope, T.A., <i>History of the Commonwealth of Florence</i>. 4 + vols. London. 1865. +</pre> + <p> + Valon, N., <i>La Vie de Laurent de Medici</i>. Paris. 1761. + </p> + <p> + Varchi, B., <i>Storia Fiorentina</i>. 3 vols. Florence. 1838. + </p> + <p> + Varillas, A., [Greek: “Anechdota Etsrouriacha”]. 1686. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Villari, P., <i>Life and Times of Niccolo Macchiavelli</i>. 2 vols. + Florence. 1895 +</pre> + <p> + Yriarte, C., <i>La Vie d’un Patricien</i>. 1884. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INDEX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A + + Abbioso, Bishop + Acciaiuoli, Agnolo + “ Donato + Adrian VI., Pope + Albizzi, Family of + “ Constanza + “ Eleanora + “ Luigi + “ Nannina + Alfonso II., Duke of Ferrara + Ambrogiana, Villa of + Antinori, Bernardino + “ Filippo +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + B + + Bandino, Bernardo + Barga, Antonio da + Baroncelli, Villa of + Bentivoglio, Count Ulisse + Boscoli, Pietro P. + Bracciolini, Giacopo + Brivio, Francesco + Buonaventuri, Constanza + “ Giovanni, B. + “ Pietro + “ Zenobio + Buonromeo, Carlo + “ Giovanni +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + C + + Cafaggiuolo, Villa of + Cappello, Bartolommeo + Capponi, Bernardo + “ Piero + Castello, Villa of + Cavalcanti, Antonio + Cerreto Guidi, Villa of + Cesare, d’Este, Duke of Modena + Charles V., Emperor + Charles VIII., King of France + Cibo, Cardinal + Colonna, Giulia Gonzaga + Contrari, Creole + Corsi, Amerigo + “Cosa di Cosimo” + “ di Francesco” + “ della Lussuria” + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + D + + Dei, Benedetto + Delle Murate, Convent of + Domenico, Giovanni +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + E + + Ercole II., Duke of Ferrara +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + F + + Florence, <i>Ammoniti</i> + “ “Il governo d’un solo” + “ “Tyrant of” + “ hot-bed of crime + “ first of modern states + “ office of Gonfaloniere + “ Giustizia abolished + “ “A monster” + “ fortress of San Giovanni + “ tyrannicide studies + “ violent deaths in + “ patronage of Cosimo I. + “ Cappella degli Spagnuoli + “ Accademia della Crusca + “ “ delle Elevati + “ training of children in + “ “Cicisbeo” + “ “Partiti” + “ “The Three Graces” + “ “City of Assassins” + Fondi, Castle of + Francis I., King of France + Franzesi, Napoleone +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + G + + Gaci, Alessandro + Gianfigliazzi, Bongiano + Ginori, Caterina + “ Francesco + Giovanni da Perugia + Guicciardini, Francesco + Guicciardini, Luigi + Gregory XIII., Pope +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + H + + Henry II., King of France +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + J + + Julius II., Pope + “ III, Pope +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + L + + Lando, Michaele, “Ciompi” rising + “La Simonetta” + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M + + Macchiavelli, Niccolo + Madrigals, Francesco de’ Medici’s + Maffei, Frate Antonio + Malatesti, Family of + “ Jacopo + “ Lamberto + “ Leonida + “ Malatesta + Martelli, Family of + “ Antonio + “ Baccio, Admiral + “ Cammilla (<i>see</i> Medici) + “ Domenico + “ Maria + “ Violante + Maximilian, Emperor + Medici, Alamanno + “ Alessandro, First Duke of Florence + “ Alfonsina d’Orsini + “ Antonio, supposititious son of Bianca Cappello + “ Ardingo + “ Averardo I. + “ “ II. + “ “ III., “Bicci” + “ Bianca Cappello-Buonaventuri + “ Bianca, daughter of Piero “il Gottoso” + “ Bonagiunto + “ Cammilla de’ Martelli + “ Caterina, Queen of France + “ Chiarissimo I. + “ “ II. + “ “ III. + “ Clarice d’Orsini + “ Clarice, wife of Filippo negli Strozzi + “ Contessina (de’ Bardi) + “ Cosimo, “Il Padre della Patria” + “ Cosimo I., First Grand Duke of Tuscany + “ Cristina of Lorraine + “ Eleonora de’ Toledo + “ Eleanora de’ Garzia + “ Ferdinando, son of Cosimo I., Cardinal + “ Filippo or Lippo + “ Filippo, son of Grand Duke Francesco + “ Francesco, Second Grand Duke of Tuscany + “ Garzia, son of Cosimo I. + “ Gianbuono + “ Giovanna of Austria + “ Giovanni, First Tragedy + “ “ son of Averardo III. + “ “ son of Cosimo “Il Padre della Patria” (<i> see</i> Chart) + “ “ “Il Popolano” + “ “ son of “Il Magnifico” + “ “ “delle Bande Nere” + “ “ son of Cosimo I., Cardinal + “ “ son of Eleonora degli Albizzi + “ “ Second “Grand” Medici + “ “ Pope Leo X. + “ Giuliano, “Il Pensieroso” + “ “ son of “Il Magnifico,” Duke of Nemours + “ “ brother of Lorenzino + “ Giulio, Pope Clement VII. + “ Ippolito, Cardinal + “ Isabella Romola, daughter of Cosimo I. + “ “La Bia” + “ Laudomia, daughter of Pierfrancesco II. + “ Lorenzo, son of Giovanni, “Bicci” + “ “ “Il Magnifico” + “ “ Duke of Urbino + “ “ “Il Terribile” + “ Luigia,, daughter of “Il Magnifico” + “ Lucrezia, de’ Tornabuoni + “ “ daughter of “Il Magnifico” + “ “ daughter of Cosimo I. + “ Maddalena, daughter of “Il Magnifico” + “ Maddalena, daughter of Pierfrancesco II. + “ Margaret of Austria + “ Maria Lucrezia, daughter of Cosimo I. + “ Maria Lucrezia, Queen of France + “ Palace of Via Larga + “ Palace of Pitti + “ Pierfrancesco II. + “ Piero, “Il Gottoso” + “ “ son of “Il Magnifico” + “ “ son of Cosimo I. + “ Salvestro I. + “ “ First “Grand” Medici + “ Tommaso, Court Chamberlain + “ Virginia, daughter of Cosimo I. + Montemurlo, battle of + Montesicco, Condottiere G.B. da + Mugello, valley of +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + N + + Neroni, Giovanni + Nori, Francesco +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O + + Orsini, Family of + “ Alfonsina (<i>see</i> Medici) + “ Clarice (<i>see</i> Medici) + “ Paolo Giordano, Duke of Bracciano + “ Rinaldo, Archbishop + “ Roberto + “ Troilo + Orte Oricellari +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + P + + Pandolfini, Agnolo + Panciatichi, Carlo + Passerini, Cardinal Silvio de’ + Paul II., Pope + “ III., Pope + “ IV., Pope + Pazzi, Family of + “ Andrea + “ Antonio I. + “ “ II. + “ “ III. + “ Constanza + “ Francesco + “ Giacopo + “ Giovanni + “ Guglielmo + “ Piero + “ Renato + “ Wronging of the + “ “Ordinamenti di Giustizia” and the + Pellegrina, daughter of Bianca Cappello + Perugino, Giovanni + Petrucci, Cesare de’ + Philip, King of Spain + Pitti, Gianozzo + Pius IV., Pope + Platonic Academy + Poggio a Caiano, Villa of + Poliziano, Agnolo + Portinari, Beatrice + Poviano, Frate Stefano + Prato, sack of + Pratolino, Villa of + Pucci, Giovanni +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + R + + Renata, Duchess of Ferrara + Riari, Antonio + “ Caterina + “ Girolamo, Count + “ Piero, Cardinal + Ricci, Cassandra + Riccio, Pierfrancesco + Ridolfi, Antonio + “ Piero + “ Rosso + Rome, sack of +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + S + + Salviati, Family of + “ Francesco, Archbishop + “ Giacomo + “ Giacopo + “ Giacopo di Giacopo + “ Maria + “ Pietro + Sansoni, Raffaele, Cardinal + Santa Monica, Convent of + San Onofrio, Convent of + Savonarola, Frate G. + Sforza, Almeni, Cosimo I.‘s secretary + “ Caterina + “ Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan + Sixtus IV., Pope + Sixtus VI., Pope + Soderini, Family of + “ Dianora (de’ Tornabuoni) + “ Francesco + “ Maria + “ Niccolo + “ Piero + “ Tommaso + Strozzi, Alessandra (de’ Machingi) + “ Filippo + “ Roberto + Stufa, Agnolo della + “ Luigi + “ Sismondo +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + T + + Tana, Villa della + Tasso, Torquato + “The Golden Rose” + Torello, Lelio + Tornabuoni, Giovanni de’ + “ Lorenzo de’ + “ Lucrezia (<i>see</i> Medici) + “ Dianora (<i>see</i> Soderini) + Tovallaccino, Michaele + Tyrants, families of + “Tyrant of Tyrants” + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + U + + Urbino, Federigo, Duke of +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + V + + Varchi, Benedetto + Vespucci, Marco +</pre> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10877 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |