A MAGNIFICENT MAN

By Veronica L Krug

Adventure, romance, politics, and murder filled the life of Lorenzo DiMedici, a banker who inherited the leadership of Florence, Italy during the 15th century. He used his charisma and financial influence to create a humanistic city of art and culture despite plots against him by Pope Sixtus IV, the Pazzi family, and King Ferrante of Naples unti

• Language: English
• Publisher: Veronica Krug
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088162170

Veronica L Krug

The author has a masters in art and reading from Kent State University and has authored several books.She received an honorable mention from The International Screenwriters' Association for her screenplayabout Lorenzo DiMedici, which she has now made into a novel after many years of research.She taught middle school art and reading for 24 years and was a recreation director for 10 years before that.She draw huge mandalas on the beach in her spare time.

Book preview

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A Magnificent Man

A Novel by Veronica Krug

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Copyright © 2017 by Veronica Krug

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher except for the use of quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First printing: 2017

Second edition: 2023

Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Krugbooks.com

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This book is dedicated to my husband who.

endured years of my research and was

a great help to me.

To my 1995-98 students at the old Lehman Middle School in

Canton, Ohio for giving me the

Idea and inspiration to write this novel.

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PROLOGUE

The Medici family had settled in Florence in the twelfth century where they took up money-changing and money-lending activities. They also went into real estate which was a very lucrative market to be in at that time. Their rise to high political status had an impressive number of appearances in the highest office of state, the nine-man Council of Lord Priors, yet they were known for strong arm methods to get loan repayments. This undermined their political influence.

Lorenzo’s great grandfather, Giovanni, started out as an apprentice in the banking firm of a cousin, Vieri di Cambiozzo DiMedici, who had one of the biggest banking houses of the age. In 1393 he struck out on his own in Rome. He kept a low profile for years quietly amassing a great fortune, mainly from dealing with papal revenue. He had a genius for making friends abroad and had eager supporters in Florence. Counted among the city’s first tax payers, his efforts led him to the top of the wealth in Florence.

On the death of Giovanni in 1429, his son, Lorenzo’s grandfather, Cosimo faced staggering challenges. War, heavy taxes, and the presence of ‘new men’ in high office divided the political class. Florence tried to force Cosimo to take a leading part in politics but caring for his family and the banking business came first. He carried the fortune of the Medici bank to its peak. The bank branched out to six other cities- Ancona, Bruges, Pisa, London, Avignon, and Milan. By the time Piero, Lorenzo’s father, inherited the bank some of the branches were on the verge of collapse and was forced to tighten credit. He lacked skill in the complexities of international banking, and fell back on the advice of branch managers, who themselves were trying to understand the changing money market.

By the time Lorenzo took over, the Medici were more involved in the politics of Florence. The bank already weakened by Piero’s management, was strained more as Lorenzo planned to use his wealth to bring Florence to a new age. A humanist, he supported many artists of the time including Botticelli, Leonardo DaVinci, and Michelangelo. His loans to fellow citizens of Florence increased ten-fold. The people loved him and called him Lorenzo the Magnificent. Even though the Medici Bank went bankrupt, he helped to make Florence the grand city that it is today. He was a central figure to the Renaissance- a magnificent man.

6

The Wedding

June 4, 1469

The nude young man with a swagger leaned on his sword- his foot atop the head of Goliath. The sculpture of David by Donatello stood in the center of a stately fountain in the colonnaded courtyard of the DiMedici family’s compound; a three-story fortress encompassing a city block. Windows lined each story surrounded by stone blocks. An arched entry opened to the courtyard. Its gardens unmatched by any artist--festooned with roses, Italian Cypress, and gnarly olive trees. The entire compound was adorned with sculptures of biblical heroes and heroines. A gentle breeze licked at the tips of the cypress trees- their musty fragrance wafted through the late spring air, living for two thousand years, passing through every season with their cone shaped evergreen richness, their oil and wood essential to Italian life. They protected the Florentines from the wind, became tables and chairs to sit upon, as well as coffins for their departed- the fresh cut scent masking the stench of death. They were giants of the Florentine countryside. On this day in June another giant will be conquered. Twenty-year-old Lorenzo, son of Piero DiMedici, statesman and owner of the Medici bank, will be married. Piero had been suffering from ill health for years. He knew his time of rule was limited and thus groomed Lorenzo since childhood to take his place upon his death. Before that could happen, Lorenzo must be married.

The grounds were resplendently adorned for the celebration with flowers. There were tables prepared to seat hundreds with bottles of red Italian wines and olive oil placed on each. Lorenzo’s mother, Lucrezia, fussed around the grounds making sure everything was set up perfectly. She had spent almost two years finding the right mate for her son. She found her in sixteen-year-old Clarice Orsini of Rome. She belonged to a noble family with vast possessions. Above all, her family owned a long line of fortresses along the high road leading south out of Florence- a secure trade route. She had gone to Rome by herself and stayed with her brother, Giovanni. Since she had never learned to write, she dictated to her brother this letter to Piero.

"Thursday morning, on the way to St Peter’s, I met my lady, the sister of the cardinal, Maddalena Orsini, with her daughter, who is about fifteen or sixteen years old. She was dressed in the Roman fashion, in a broad wrap of linen, and she seemed to me very beautiful in that outfit, fair and tall; but because she was rather too covered up, I couldn’t see her as I would have liked. It happens that yesterday I went to visit the said Monsignor Orsini…and after I had made the requisite avowals in your name, his sister entered with the girl, who this time was wearing a close-fitting skirt without the wrap.

We spent quite a while conversing and I really studied the girl, who is, as I’ve said, of an attractive height and fairness, and she has a sweet manner- not however, so fine as our daughters; but she’s all modesty and could soon be led to assume our ways. She’s not a blonde, because you don’t find that in these parts. Her hair tends toward the reddish, and there’s a lot of it. The face itself is a bit round but I don’t disapprove; her throat is nicely slender, though it strikes me as a bit thin or, rather, on the delicate side. Her bosom we couldn’t see because the custom here is to go around all bundled up there, but the promise is good. She walks with her head not up proudly, like ours, but bent somewhat forward; and I believe this comes from shyness. She really is very bashful. Her hands are long and slender. So, all told, we consider that the girl is definitely much above the average, but not to be compared with our own daughters. Lorenzo himself has seen her, and if he’s satisfied, you’ll be able to tell.

I feel that whatever you and he decide will be well done, and I will agree to it. It’s in God’s hands. The girl is the daughter of the lord Jacopo Orsini of Monte Ritondo, and her mother is the cardinal’s sister. She has two brothers, one bred to arms and serving with the self-esteemed lord Orso, the other a priest and sub-deacon to the Pope. They have half of Monte Ritondo; they have three other castles belonging to her brothers, and I gather that they are well settled there and are better off every day because, apart from being maternal nephew of the Cardinal, of the Archbishop Napoleone, and of the knight, they are also related as cousins via their father, for he is a second cousin to the aforesaid lords, who love them greatly."

In a second letter sent the same day, she added:

As I said to you by letter in Giovanni’s hand, we’ve had a close look at the girl. There was no fuss; and if the thing doesn’t work out, you’ll have lost nothing, because nothing at all was said about it. The girl has two good features: she is tall and fair-skinned, and though she doesn’t have a beautiful face, neither is it a peasant’s, and she does have a handsome presence. Find out if Lorenzo likes what he saw, as there are so many other things in her favor, that if he is satisfied, we also could be. Her name is Clarice.

Lorenzo’s mother deemed her a perfect match for her son who had only beheld Clarice one time from a distance until his wedding day. Lucrezia assured her son that ‘I don’t think that Rome has a more beautiful girl to offer in marriage.’

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He had to agree to the union, and Lorenzo’s only communications with Clarice for the past year were letters and poetry they had sent to one another. Yet, the benefits outweighed the negatives; besides, her letters sounded very sweet and coy. She seemed ready to leave her home and begin a new life in Florence- plus a considerable dowry accompanied her.

A crowd of Florentines lined the road to the Medici compound. The wedding procession was led by a parade of trumpeters. Pages carried Lorenzo’s personal standard of silver and crimson, and twelve nobles on horseback accompanied Lorenzo’s brother, sixteen-year-old Giuliano. He was a striking young man with a slight build and rich auburn wavy hair that fell on his shoulders. Giuliano seemed to float above his saddle rather than to bump along on it with his horse. Pomp and circumstance was his specialty; in fact, he organized the reception and field events that will take place after the wedding ceremony. Giuliano inherited the beauty. Lorenzo had a sturdy build, olive skin tone, and eyes that seemed to cut into your soul. His nose was wide and close to his face, the bridge of which was bent at an odd angle, an old injury from a fall off of a horse. Describing him as handsome would be a loose term. He had more of a ‘rugged’ handsomeness to him. He may not be as pretty as his brother, but he preferred to be in the battles than organize them.

Five mounted pages led a line of drummers and fifers followed by Angelo Poliziano, Lorenzo’s best friend and confidant. A delicately handsome man, his long bronze hair was pulled back in a red ribbon. His clean-cut face sternly pointed forward. It did not show joy nor sadness. He wore a black surcoat with a velvet crimson scarf and rode a russet-colored horse decorated with a saddle draped in gilded threads.

Lorenzo followed, wearing a golden velvet surcoat. On his right breast pocket were three dove feathers representing the virtues of truth, prudence, and fortitude. He wore an ebony velvet cap with his long black hair tied back with a white ribbon. He smiled and waved to the crowd while riding a great white horse adorned in maroon and white velvet. It was a wedding gift from King Ferrante of Naples. Lorenzo had spent many summers at his castle as a child. He was like an uncle to him.

Next in the procession were four ladies in waiting wearing grand brocade dresses riding side-saddle. Finally Clarice rode to the staging area. She was mounted on a majestic white horse. Strings of pearls were woven through its mane and tail as well as throughout Clarice’s white dress. Her auburn hair was carefully braided with pearls interwoven creating a crown. Her ornate dress matched the luminescence of the pearls swathing her frame snugly. Clarice was stoic as she rode sidesaddle. She kept her gaze forward seeming to ignore the cheers from the Florentines.

Lorenzo and Angelo dismounted and stepped upon the staging area in front of the Medici compound where Bishop Salviati awaited to marry the couple. Bishop Salviati was not happy about the union. He was a member of the Pazzi family. They had been at odds with the Medici for decades for whittling away their power in Florence, as well as outbidding them for land. This marriage only gave the Medici more influence, something the Pazzis were bitterly against. The Bishop must marry them against his wishes in order to keep face with the people of Florence. Lorenzo and Angelo stepped to one side of the Bishop. Angelo was taller and leaner than Lorenzo.

They watched as Clarice approached.

Are you sure you want to go through with this? Angelo asked Lorenzo.

It is my mother’s wish. I cannot be a true statesman to Florence without a wife.

Angelo studied the new bride. He wished it were him preparing to marry Lorenzo. He knew there could be no such thing. He had to keep his love for Lorenzo a secret. Lorenzo had to marry her. She could bear him children, but She is so…so plain.

She is the daughter of the Orsinis of Rome. This will help us form an important alliance. Lorenzo considered Clarice as she was lifted from the horse. Approaching the stage, she was taller than most young ladies of her age with medium build and wide hips. He liked that. Lorenzo smiled widely and winked at Angelo. Besides, she will bear me many children.

Angelo smiled and shook his head. Then, you will be too busy for me.

Angelo, I will always have time for you. He hugged him and patted his back.

You will raise your own army.

Maybe a Pope or two, Lorenzo replied with a laugh.

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Clarice was affronted by the spectacle of the two men, Lorenzo, and Angelo, laughing, and making light of this solemn occasion. She was being forced to marry this hulk of a man who looked like he should be farming instead of ruling.

Look at them laughing during this proper occasion. They’re behaving like two inconsiderable boys, Clarice said to one of her handmaidens straightening her dress.

Maybe Signor DiMedici is happy he is wedding you, she answered.

Well, I’m not happy about wedding him. Clarice waves, Look at him, he…he’s bulky.

I think he is very handsome.

Lorenzo gazed at Clarice and smiled widely at her. She quickly looked away.

I’ll just have to close my eyes when he beds me. Besides, I want many children. I will abide my father’s wish, Clarice stated unconvincingly. Actually his ruggedness was sexual to her. She had feelings inside of her she had never felt before.

The handmaid stifled a giggle.

Clarice stepped onto the stage. Lorenzo stood in front of Bishop Salviati. Clarice took her place beside Lorenzo and tentatively took his hand into hers. Bishop Salviati held their hands as they knelt.

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Two men in armor knelt before Bishop Salviati. Lorenzo himself was one of the men. He and Clarice had completed their vows. It was time for the wedding festivities to begin with a jousting tournament in the market square. Along the block outside of the market were entertainers. Food was cooking in huge kettles. An exquisitely beautiful woman, Lucrezia Ardinghelli, stepped onto the stage carrying a wreath of violets she presented to Lorenzo. She kissed each cheek. Lucrezia modeled for several of the artists in Florence and was admired by many men. It was tradition to present the violets before a tournament. Clarice saw this and as much as she tried, the knot in her stomach gave her a tinge of jealousy.

The Bishop placed his hands upon each man’s shoulder. God speed to you both. The men stood up. Go to your steeds.

Lorenzo mounted the horse his wife rode to the wedding. The crowd cheered. Clarice became incensed that Lorenzo and his fellow Florentines would not only allow a beautiful woman instead of her present the flowers for the tournament but also allow him to ride HER horse. She had never witnessed a jousting tournament before. It appeared very brutish.

The men rode to their respective ends of the field. Young boys handed them their lances. The men charged toward each other; lances drawn. Clarice, in the stands, covered her eyes. They clashed. She opened her eyes. Lorenzo was knocked off of his horse, hands, and knees on the ground. She clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. Pathetic! Angelo rushed to his side.

Angelo helped Lorenzo up. Lorenzo held his side in pain.

Are you hurt? Angelo asked as Clarice’s horse returned to him.

Nay, just a nick, Lorenzo winced. I’ll just be a bit achy in the morn, he laughed.

He mounted the horse. Angelo handed him his lance. Lorenzo rode to his respective side of the field and prepared to charge. He glanced up at Clarice. She didn’t bother to cover her eyes this time. In fact