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