СНАР. Х.

LORENZO DE MEDICI intends to retire from publicklife-Is taken sick and removes to Careggi-His conduct in his last sickness-Interview with Pico and Politiano-Savonarola visits him-Death of Lorenzo-His characterReview of his conduct as a statesman-Attachment of the Florentines to him-Circumstances attending his death-Testimonies of respect to his memoryDeath of Innocent VIII. and accession of Alexander VI.-Irruption of the French into Italy-Expulsion of the Medici from Florence-Death of Ermolao Barbaro-Of Pico of Mirandula-Of Agnolo Politiano—Absurd accounts respecting the death of Politiano-His monody on Lorenzo-Politiano celebrated by Cardinal Bembo-Authentick account of his death-Disturbances excited by SavonarolaAdherents of the Medici decapitated-Disgrace and execution of Savonarola-Death of Piero de' Medici-His character-Sonnet of Piero de' Medici-Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici-Restoration of the family to Florence-Elevation of Leo. X.-Leo promotes his relations—Restores his dominions to peace-Rise of the reformation -Age of Leo K.-The Laurentian Library restored

restored-Giuliano de' Medici duke of Nemours Ippolito de' Medici-Lorenzo de' Medici duke of Urbino-Alessandro de' Medici-Descendants of Lorenzo de' Medici the brother of Cosmo-Giovanni de' Medici-Lorenzo de' Medici-Alessandro assumes the sovereignty of Florence-Is assassinated by Lorenzino-Motives and consequences of the attempt-Cosmo de' Medici first grand duke-Death of Filippo Strozzi, and final extinction of the republick— Conclusion.

tends to re

publick life.

THAT love of leisure which is inseparable Lorenzo infrom a mind conscious of its own resources, tire from and the consideration of his declining state of health, were probably the motives that induced Lorenzo de' Medici to aim at introducing his two elder sons into publick life at so early and almost premature an age. The infirmities under which he laboured not only disqualified him at times from attending with his accustomed vigilance to the affairs of the republick, but rendered it also necessary for him often to absent

himself

X.

CHAP. himself from Florence, and to pass some portion of his time at the warm baths in various parts of Italy, of which those of Siena and Porrettana afforded him the most effectual relief. At those seasons which were not imbittered by sickness, he appears to have flattered himself with the expectation of enjoying the reward of his publick labours, and partaking of the general happiness which he had so essentially contributed to promote, in a peaceful and dignified retirement, enlivened by social amusements, by philosophick studies, and literary pursuits. These expectations were built upon the most substantial foundation, the consciousness that he had discharged his more immediate duties and engagements; but his feelings on this occasion are best expressed in his own wordsa : "What," says he, "can be more desirable to "a well-regulated mind, than the enjoyment "of leisure with dignity? This is what all good "men wish to obtain, but which great men "alone accomplish. In the midst of publick "affairs we may indeed be allowed to look "forward to a day of rest; but no rest should

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totally seclude us from an attention to the

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concerns

a Ap. Fabr. in vitâ Laur. v. I. p. 196.

X.

concerns of our country. I cannot deny that CHA P. "the path which it has been my lot to tread " has been arduous and rugged, full of dangers, "and beset with treachery; but I console my"self in having contributed to the welfare of

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my country, the prosperity of which may "now rival that of any other state, however "flourishing. Nor have I been inattentive to "the interests and advancement of my own "family, having always proposed to my imita"tion the example of my grandfather Cosmo, "who watched over his publick and private

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concerns with equal vigilance. Having now "obtained the object of my cares, I trust I "may be allowed to enjoy the sweets of leisure, "to share the reputation of my fellow-citizens, "and to exult in the glory of my native place." His intentions were more explicitly made known to his faithful companion Politiano, who relates, that sitting with him in his chamber a few days before his death, and conversing on subjects of letters and philosophy, he then told him that he meant to withdraw himself as much as possible from the tumult of the city, and to devote the remainder of his days to the society of his learned friends; at the same time expressing his confidence in the abilities of his son Piero, on whom it was his intention

that