fore they parted the pope's authority seemed to have
influenced him; for he told Giovanni Batista, that he might go to
Romagna, and that before his return Francesco would be with him, and
they would then consult more particularly upon the subject. Giovanni
Batista proceeded to Romagna, and soon returned to Florence. After
a pretended consultation with Lorenzo, upon the count's affairs, he
obtained an interview with Francesco and Jacopo de' Pazzi, when the
latter gave his consent to their enterprise. They then discussed the
means of carrying it into effect. Jacopo de' Pazzi was of opinion that
it could not be effected while both the brothers remained at Florence;
and therefore it would be better to wait till Lorenzo went to Rome,
whither it was reported he had an intention of going; for then their
object would be more easily attained. Francesco de' Pazzi had no
objection to Lorenzo being at Rome, but if he were to forego the
journey, he thought that both the brothers might be slain, either at
a marriage, or at a play, or in a church. With regard to foreign
assistance, he supposed the pope might assemble forces for the conquest
of the fortress of Montone, being justified in taking it from Count
Carlo, who had caused the tumults already spoken of in Sienna and
Perugia.

Still no definite arrangement was made; but it was resolved that
Giovanni Batista and Francesco de' Pazzi should go to Rome and settle
everything with the pontiff. The matter was again debated at Rome; and
at length it was concluded that besides an expedition against Montone,
Giovan Francesco da Tolentino, a leader of the papal troops, should go
into Romagna, and Lorenzo da Castello to the Val di Tavere; that each,
with the forces of the country, should hold himself in readiness to
perform the commands of the archbishop de' Salviati and Francesco
de Pazzi, both of whom were to come to Florence, and provide for the
execution of their design, with the assistance of Giovanni Batista da
Montesecco. King Ferrando promised, by his ambassador, to contribute all
in his power to the success of their undertaking. Francesco de' Pazzi
and the archbishop having arrived at Florence, prevailed upon Jacopo
di Poggio, a well educated youth, but ambitious and very desirous
of change, to join them, and two others, each of the name of Jacopo
Salviati, one a brother, the other a kinsman, of the archbishop. They
also gained over Bernardo Bandini and Napoleone Franzeni, two bold