love. Whether his infatuation went at all beyond the bounds of Platonic
affection is doubtful. His lovely _innamorata_ was the wife of his best
friend, and his honour went for much in the loyal estimation of
Giuliano. Besides this, his good mother's influence in the cause of
virtue and modesty was all-powerful with both her sons.

Strange to say, this romantic attachment stirred the jealousy of a very
prominent citizen, no less a personage than Messer Francesco de' Pazzi.
He and his brothers declined the invitation to the _Giostra_, and
abstained from participation in the general festivities. It was a case
of race rivalry and of personal jealousy, but it meant much in the
relations of the two families.

The efforts which Lorenzo continually made "to gain a firm footing in
Florence"--as Francesco de' Guicciardini has recorded--quite naturally
were productive of opposition and animosity. The men who had placed him
in power were again in two camps--those who were content with the
_status quo_, and those who were not. The latter made less and less
effort to conceal their real sentiments, and at length set about to
question Lorenzo's motives, and defeat his projects. He was a
_beau-ideal_ citizen, for, with all his love of show and circumstance,
even in the fulness of his dignity and dominion, he knew how to retain
and exhibit certain homely and simple traits, which were quite after the
Florentine manner.

He met criticisms and oppositions with the very characteristic
statement: "I will," said he, "allow no man to put his foot on my
throat!" This threat--for so it was accounted by those who wished to
discredit him--was like a red gauntlet thrown down, and, later on, a
hand--if not a foot--and a dagger, were at Lorenzo's throat!