All the hearers were deeply affected by Lorenzo's oration, some indeed
shed tears, but all vowed to support him in resisting the enemy at the
gate. "Take courage," they cried, "it behoves thee, Lorenzo, to live and
die for the Republic!"

At the same time they enrolled a bodyguard of twelve soldiers, whose
duty it should be to accompany Lorenzo whenever he went abroad, and to
protect him in his palace or at his villas. Doubtless they thought the
Pope might resort to further secret measures for the slaughter of his
enemy.

Thus ended the terrible "Conspiracy of the Pazzi."




CHAPTER II


IPPOLITO--"_Il Cardinale_."

ALESSANDRO--"_Il Negro_."

LORENZINO--"_Il Terribile_."


_The First Tyrannicide_