The overstrain of desire, the feverishness of acquisitiveness, and the
lust for power, often in their intensity defeat the purpose sought. The
personality of Lorenzo waxed greater and mightier day by day in the
nervously articulated constitution of Florence. The greatest genius of
his age, he was not only the master of the Government, but the
acknowledged chief of the Platonic Academy, the first of living poets, a
most distinguished classical scholar, and the greatest benefactor the
city had ever known. Everything was within his grasp and everyone had to
bow to his will; his aim was to be autocratic Prince of Tuscany.

It was the mark of a "perfect gentleman" to unbend to plainer folk, and
to mingle with them in moments of relaxation. As a youth he had, with
Giuliano, frequented the village fairs in the Mugello, for amusement and
good fellowship: indeed they brought him inspiration and popularity as
well. When in residence in the Medici Palace he was wont to take his
walks abroad quite freely, and to sit and chat with the habitues of the
_osterie_ by the Porta San Gallo, and other similar taverns.

Florentine of the Florentines, he loved tricks and jokes, and was never
tired of making fun at the expense of others: be it said, too, he knew
how to take as well as give. An amusing story is told of him: being at
Pisa, he chanced to see among the students of the University--which, by
the way, he was instrumental in re-establishing and re-endowing--a
youth who squinted. He remarked with a laugh: "That lad should easily be
the head of his class!" When questioned as to his meaning, he replied
jocosely: "Because he will read at the same time both pages of his book,
and so will learn double!"

Entering thus unostentatiously into the lives and habits of his