CHAPTER III.

HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI.

The Medici as Collectors and Art Patrons—Wealth of the House of Medici—Traders and their Purchases—The Garden and Casino of San Marco—The Villas of the Medici—Poggio a Cajano—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Mode of Life—Meal-times—Grandeur and Simplicity—Visit of Count Eberhard of Würtemberg—Horses and Races—Hawking—Visits to Pisa—Agnano and other Estates—Journeys to the Baths—The Baths of San Filippo and Vignone—Love Affairs—Bartolommeo Nasi Benci—Embassies and Presents of the Egyptian Sultan—Festal Reception of Travellers—Companions and Friends at Home—Lorenzo de’ Medici in Confidential Intercourse—Musical Entertainments—Antonio degli Organi—Music and Poetry—Piero and Alfonsina Orsini de’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Daughters—Homely Appearance—Lorenzo in Jest and in Earnest 366