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history of florence-第86部分

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was at first quite opposed to their design; but before they parted the

pope's authority seemed to have influenced him; for he told Giovanni

Batista; that he might go to Romagna; and that before his return

Francesco would be with him; and they would then consult more

particularly upon the subject。 Giovanni Batista proceeded to Romagna;

and soon returned to Florence。 After a pretended consultation with

Lorenzo; upon the count's affairs; he obtained an interview with

Francesco and Jacopo de' Pazzi; when the latter gave his consent to

their enterprise。 They then discussed the means of carrying it into

effect。 Jacopo de' Pazzi was of opinion that it could not be effected

while both the brothers remained at Florence; and therefore it would

be better to wait till Lorenzo went to Rome; whither it was reported

he had an intention of going; for then their object would be more

easily attained。 Francesco de' Pazzi had no objection to Lorenzo being

at Rome; but if he were to forego the journey; he thought that both

the brothers might be slain; either at a marriage; or at a play; or in

a church。 With regard to foreign assistance; he supposed the pope

might assemble forces for the conquest of the fortress of Montone;

being justified in taking it from Count Carlo; who had caused the

tumults already spoken of in Sienna and Perugia。



Still no definite arrangement was made; but it was resolved that

Giovanni Batista and Francesco de' Pazzi should go to Rome and settle

everything with the pontiff。 The matter was again debated at Rome; and

at length it was concluded that besides an expedition against Montone;

Giovan Francesco da Tolentino; a leader of the papal troops; should go

into Romagna; and Lorenzo da Castello to the Val di Tavere; that each;

with the forces of the country; should hold himself in readiness to

perform the commands of the archbishop de' Salviati and Francesco de

Pazzi; both of whom were to come to Florence; and provide for the

execution of their design; with the assistance of Giovanni Batista da

Montesecco。 King Ferrando promised; by his ambassador; to contribute

all in his power to the success of their undertaking。 Francesco de'

Pazzi and the archbishop having arrived at Florence; prevailed upon

Jacopo di Poggio; a well educated youth; but ambitious and very

desirous of change; to join them; and two others; each of the name of

Jacopo Salviati; one a brother; the other a kinsman; of the

archbishop。 They also gained over Bernardo Bandini and Napoleone

Franzeni; two bold young men; under great obligations to the family of

the Pazzi。 Besides those already mentioned; they were joined by

Antonio da Volterra and a priest named Stefano; who taught Latin to

the daughter of Jacopo de' Pazzi。 Rinato de' Pazzi; a grave and

prudent man; being quite aware of the evils resulting from such

undertakings; refused all participation in the conspiracy; he held it

in abhorrence; and as much as possible; without betraying his kinsmen;

endeavored to counteract it。



The pope had sent Raffaello di Riario; a nephew of Count Girolamo; to

the college of Pisa; to study canon law; and while there; had advanced

him to the dignity of a cardinal。 The conspirators determined to bring

this cardinal to Florence; as they would thus be better able to

conceal their design; since any persons requisite to be introduced

into the city might easily be made to appear as a part of his retinue;

and his arrival might facilitate the completion of their enterprise。

The cardinal came; and was received by Jacopo de' Pazzi at his villa

of Montughi; near Florence。 By his means it was also intended to bring

together Giuliano and Lorenzo; and whenever this happened; to put them

both to death。 They therefore invited them to meet the cardinal at

their villa of Fiesole; but Giuliano; either intentionally or through

some preventing cause; did not attend; and this design having failed;

they thought that if asked to an entertainment at Florence; both

brothers would certainly be present。 With this intention they

appointed Sunday; the twenty…sixth of April; 1478; to give a great

feast; and; resolving to assassinate them at table; the conspirators

met on the Saturday evening to arrange all proceedings for the

following day。 In the morning it was intimated to Francesco that

Giuliano would be absent; on which the conspirators again assembled

and finding they could no longer defer the execution of their design;

since it would be impossible among so many to preserve secrecy; they

determined to complete it in the cathedral church of Santa Reparata;

where the cardinal attending; the two brothers would be present as

usual。 They wished Giovanni Batista da Montesecco to undertake the

murder of Lorenzo; while that of Giuliano was assigned to Francesco

de' Pazzi and Bernardo Bandini。 Giovanni Batista refused; either

because his familiarity with Lorenzo had created feelings in his

favor; or from some other reason; saying he should not have resolution

sufficient to commit such a deed in a church; and thus add sacrilege

to treachery。 This caused the failure of their undertaking; for time

pressing; they were compelled to substitute Antonio da Volterra and

Stefano; the priest; two men; who; from nature and habit; were the

most unsuitable of any; for if firmness and resolution joined with

experience in bloodshed be necessary upon any occasion; it is on such

as these; and it often happens that those who are expert in arms; and

have faced death in all forms on the field of battle; still fail in an

affair like this。 Having now decided upon the time; they resolved that

the signal for the attack should be the moment when the priest who

celebrated high mass should partake of the sacrament; and that; in the

meantime; the Archbishop de' Salviati; with his followers; and Jacopo

di Poggio; should take possession of the palace; in order that the

Signory; after the young men's death; should voluntarily; or by force;

contribute to their assistance。







CHAPTER II



  Giuliano de' Medici slainLorenzo escapesThe archbishop

  Salviati endeavors to seize the palace of the SignoryHe is taken

  and hangedThe enterprise of the conspirators entirely fails

  Manifestations of the Florentines in favor of Lorenzo de' Medici

  The conspirators punishedThe funeral of GiulianoThe pope and

  the king of Naples make war upon the FlorentinesFlorence

  excommunicatedSpeech of Lorenzo de' Medici to the citizens of

  Florence。



The conspirators proceeded to Santa Reparata; where the cardinal and

Lorenzo had already arrived。 The church was crowded; and divine

service commenced before Giuliano's arrival。 Francesco de' Pazzi and

Bernardo Bandini; who were appointed to be his murderers; went to his

house; and finding him; they; by earnest entreaties; prevailed upon

him to accompany them。 It is surprising that such intense hatred; and

designs so full of horror as those of Francesco and Bernardo; could be

so perfectly concealed; for while conducting him to the church; and

after they had reached it; they amused him with jests and playful

discourse。 Nor did Francesco forget; under pretense of endearment; to

press him in his arms; so as to ascertain whether under his apparel he

wore a cuirass or other means of defense。 Giuliano and Lorenzo were

both aware of the animosity of the Pazzi; and their desire to deprive

them of the government; but they felt assured that any design would be

attempted openly; and in conjunction with the civil authority。 Thus

being free from apprehension for their personal safety both affected

to be on friendly terms with them。 The murderers being ready; each in

his appointed station; which they could retain without suspicion; on

account of the vast numbers assembled in the church; the preconcerted

moment arrived; and Bernardo Bandini; with a short dagger provided for

the purpose; struck Giuliano in the breast; who; after a few steps;

fell to the earth。 Francesco de' Pazzi threw himself upon the body and

covered him with wounds; while; as if blinded by rage; he inflicted a

deep incision upon his own leg。 Antonio and Stefano; the priest;

attacked Lorenzo; and after dealing many blows; effected only a slight

incision in the throat; for either their want of resolution; the

activity of Lorenzo; who; finding himself attacked; used his arms in

his own defense; or the assistance of those by whom he was surrounded;

rendered all attempts futile。 They fled and concealed themselves; but

being subsequently discovered; were put to death in the most

ignominious manner; and their bodies dragged about the city。 Lorenzo;

with the friends he had about him; took refuge in the sacristy of the

church。 Bernardo Bandini; after Giuliano's death; also slew Francesco

Nori; a most intimate friend of the Medici; either from some previous

hatred or for having endeavored to render assistance to Giuliano; and

not content with these murders; he ran in pursuit of Lorenzo;

intending; by his own promptitude; to make up for the weakness and

inefficiency of the others; but finding he had taken refuge in the

vestry; he was prevented。



In the midst of these violent and fearful deeds; during which the

uproar was so terrible; that it seemed almost sufficient to bring the

church down upon its inmates; the cardinal Riario remained close to

the altar; where he was with difficulty kept in safety by the priests;

until the Signory; upon the abatement of the disturbance; could

conduct him to their palace; where he remained in the utmost terror

till he was set at liberty。



There were at this time in Florence some people of Perugia; whom party

feuds had compelled to leave their homes; and the Pazzi; by promising

to restore them to their country; obtained their assistance。 The

Archbishop de' Salviati; going to seize the palace; together with

Jacopo di Poggio; and the Salviati; his friends; took these Perugini

with him。 Having 

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