DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61902#0303
THE MAKERS OF FLORENCE.
283
proud. Lorenzo, however, when he came to hear of this,
did not take it in anger, as they evidently expected him to
do. It is indeed impossible not to feel that the real senti-
ments of this great prince and able statesman were very
different from those of his sycophants. 1 am disposed to
think that the Magnifico had genius enough to understand
Savonarola,and to feel an almost wistful desire for bis friend-
ship and the approval, had that been possible—or at least the
sympathy—of one so high-minded. There would seem, too,
a lingering sense of humor in the remark he is reported
to have made when he heard of the new prior’s neglect
of him—a half-amused complaint—“A stranger has come
to live in my house,” he said, “ and does not think it worth
his while to come and see me ! ” But it is evident that
Savonarola’s reticence stimulated the desire of the other to
know this one man who never bowed before him. Lorenzo
was more generous than Haman—no evil purpose was in
his heart toward the stranger in the gate who took no
notice of his greeting. He began to haunt San Marco
with a curiosity and interest which melts the heart of the
looker-on. He would go to hear mass in the church ; then
stray into the garden to walk there, almost like a lover
who haunts the precincts of his lady’s house in hope of
a chance meeting. It had been the custom in the convent
when such a noble visitor appeared that the elders of the
community should hasten to accompany him, to entertain
him with conversation, and make themselves agreeable to
the gracious potentate Accordingly, when Lorenzo was
seen in the garden walks, off rushed the friars again, those
same primzpadn, deeply conscious of the Magnifico’s power.
“ Padre Prior,” they cried, “ Lorenzo is in the garden 1 ”
“Has he asked for me?” said the prior, calmly intent
upon his studies. The troubled monks were obliged to
say “ No.” “ Then let him take his walk in peace,” said
.Prior Girolamo. Burlamacchi tells us that Lorenzo was
283
proud. Lorenzo, however, when he came to hear of this,
did not take it in anger, as they evidently expected him to
do. It is indeed impossible not to feel that the real senti-
ments of this great prince and able statesman were very
different from those of his sycophants. 1 am disposed to
think that the Magnifico had genius enough to understand
Savonarola,and to feel an almost wistful desire for bis friend-
ship and the approval, had that been possible—or at least the
sympathy—of one so high-minded. There would seem, too,
a lingering sense of humor in the remark he is reported
to have made when he heard of the new prior’s neglect
of him—a half-amused complaint—“A stranger has come
to live in my house,” he said, “ and does not think it worth
his while to come and see me ! ” But it is evident that
Savonarola’s reticence stimulated the desire of the other to
know this one man who never bowed before him. Lorenzo
was more generous than Haman—no evil purpose was in
his heart toward the stranger in the gate who took no
notice of his greeting. He began to haunt San Marco
with a curiosity and interest which melts the heart of the
looker-on. He would go to hear mass in the church ; then
stray into the garden to walk there, almost like a lover
who haunts the precincts of his lady’s house in hope of
a chance meeting. It had been the custom in the convent
when such a noble visitor appeared that the elders of the
community should hasten to accompany him, to entertain
him with conversation, and make themselves agreeable to
the gracious potentate Accordingly, when Lorenzo was
seen in the garden walks, off rushed the friars again, those
same primzpadn, deeply conscious of the Magnifico’s power.
“ Padre Prior,” they cried, “ Lorenzo is in the garden 1 ”
“Has he asked for me?” said the prior, calmly intent
upon his studies. The troubled monks were obliged to
say “ No.” “ Then let him take his walk in peace,” said
.Prior Girolamo. Burlamacchi tells us that Lorenzo was