CHAPTER VIII.

DEATH OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI.

Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Illness—Remedy for his Sufferings—Changes between Better and Worse—Lorenzo’s Intention of transferring his Affairs to his Son Piero—Political Position—Moral and Religious Views—Lorenzo’s Advice to his Son—Lorenzo with Angelo Poliziano and Pico—Savonarola at the Death-bed—Death of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Prodigies and Obsequies—Decree concerning the Position of Piero de’ Medici—Roman Obsequies—King Ferrante on Lorenzo’s Death—Innocent VIII. and the House of Sforza—Entombment in San Lorenzo—Elegy by Angelo Poliziano 453

CONCLUSION.

Lorenzo’s Characteristics—His Public Policy—His Tampering with the Constitution—His Financial System—Progress towards Monarchy—Lorenzo’s Son Piero—King Charles VIII. in Florence—Fruits of Florentine Culture 469

APPENDICES.

I. Chronological Review 477

II. Pedigree of the Medici 483

” ” Pazzi 484

” ” Soderini 485

” ” Visconti and Sforza 486

III. Last Hours of Lorenzo de’ Medici 487

FOURTH BOOK—_continued_

SECOND PART

_TIME OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT._