ootmen. Carlo was
slain by those immediately around him. Girolamo Olgiato passed through
the crowd, and got out of the church; but seeing his companions dead,
and not knowing where else to go, he proceeded home, where his father
and brothers refused to receive him; his mother only, having compassion
on her son recommended him to a priest, an old friend of the family,
who, disguising him in his own apparel, led him to his house. Here he
remained two days, not without hope that some disturbance might arise
in Milan which would contribute to his safety. This not occurring, and
apprehensive that his hiding place would be discovered, he endeavored
to escape in disguise, but being observed, he was given over to justice,
and disclosed all the particulars of the conspiracy. Girolamo was
twenty-three years of age, and exhibited no less composure at his death
than resolution in his previous conduct, for being stripped of his
apparel, and in the hands of the executioner, who stood by with
the sword unsheathed, ready to deprive him of life, he repeated the
following words, in the Latin tongue, in which he was well versed: "Mors
acerba, fama perpetua, stabit vetus memoria facti."

The enterprise of these unfortunate young men was conducted with secrecy
and executed with resolution; and they failed for want of the support
of those whom they expected would rise in their defense. Let princes
therefore learn to live, so as to render themselves beloved and
respected by their subjects, that none may have hope of safety after
having destroyed them; and let others see how vain is the expectation
which induces them to trust so much to the multitude, as to believe,
that even when discontented, they will either embrace or ward off their
dangers. This event spread consternation all over Italy; but those
which shortly afterward occurred in Florence caused much more alarm, and
terminated a peace of twelve years' continuance, as will be shown in the
following book; which, having commenced with blood and horror, will have
a melancholy and tearful conclusion.

BOOK VIII

CHAPTER I

State of the family of the Medici at Florence--Enmity of Sixtus IV.
toward Florence--Differences between the family of the Pazzi and that
of the Medici--Beginning of the conspiracy of the Pazzi--Arrangements to
effect the design of the conspiracy--Giovanni Batista da Montesecco
is sent to Florence--The pope joins the conspiracy--The king of Naples
becomes a