CHAPTER II.

LORENZO’S YOUTH. CONSPIRACY OF DIOTISALVI NERONI AND HIS COMPANIONS.

Meeting of Lorenzo de’ Medici with Federigo d’Aragona, younger Son of King Ferrante of Naples—Florence in relation to the Aragonese and to Sforza—Lorenzo in Upper Italy—The Pulci—Luigi Pulci—Lorenzo in Rome—Pope Paul II.—Death of Francesco Sforza—Piero de’ Medici and the House of Sforza—Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan—The Medici Party after the Death of Cosimo—Piero de’ Medici and Diotisalvi Neroni—Diotisalvi’s Designs against the Medici—His connection with Niccolò Soderini and Luca Pitti—Agnolo Acciaiuoli—The Causes of Discord—Niccolò Soderini as Gonfalonier—Neglected Opportunities of Trade—Fruitless Attempt at Compensation—Conspiracy against the Medici—Lorenzo with King Ferrante in Naples—Preparations on both Sides—The Villa of Careggi—Piero’s Illness there—Lorenzo’s Presence of Mind at an Attempt on his Father’s Life—The Medici in the City—Both Factions appeal to Arms—Indecision of the Leaders—Negotiations and Defection—Luca Pitti and the Medici—Failure of the Conspiracy and Banishment of its Leaders—End of Luca Pitti 179