CHAPTER VII.

FAMILY EVENTS. MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.

Clarice and Maddalena de’ Medici in Rome—Maddalena’s Marriage Contract and Dowry—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Opinion of his Son-in-Law—Connections of the Medici in Rome—Piero de’ Medici’s Journey to Rome, and his Marriage—Alfonsina Orsini—Rejoicings in Florence on the Visit of Franceschetto Cybò—Illness of Madonna Clarice—Maddalena Cybò in Florence—Death of Clarice de’ Medici—Her Character—Lorenzo de’ Medici on the Loss of his Wife—Maddalena Cybò’s Return to Rome—Death of Ippolita Maria, Duchess of Calabria—The Marriage of Gian Galeazzo Sforza—Piero de’ Medici in Milan 278