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