they supped together at
the Palazzo Medici, and then Lorenzino inquired how they were to spend
the night.

"I shall go to bed," replied Alessandro, "for I am worn out."

"Caterina?" whispered Lorenzino.

Alessandro rose abruptly and said, "Lead on, Lorenzo, I will follow."

Seeing his valet and confidant, Giustiniano da Sesena, he said: "We are
going to Signore Lorenzino's, but what shall I put on?" Giustiniano
handed him a crimson silk dressing-gown, and asked him whether he would
wear his sword and steel gauntlets, or whether his cane and his scented
kid gloves would not be more suitable.

"Yes," the Duke replied, "toss me over my lovers' gloves, for I am about
to see my lady!"

Snatching a cloak, lined with fur, and grasping a light sword in his
hand, Alessandro left the palace by the garden wicket, followed by his
valet and two secret guards, Giomo da Carpi, and an Hungarian wrestler
nicknamed "Bobo."

Meanwhile Lorenzino had sought the street, and at the corner he found
his usual attendant, Michaele del Tovallaccino, a soldier possessed of a
splendid physique, combining the soft contour of Apollo and the brute
force of Hercules. His comrades called him "Scoronconcolo," on account
of his wild, lustful nature. "He could kiss and bite," they said, "at
the same time!"

"Michaele," said Lorenzino, "I want you to kill the man who is my
greatest enemy."

"My lord," replied the ruffian, "I am at your service. Tell me the name
of the fellow who has wronged you and I will kill him right off. I would
kill Jesus Christ himself if he hated you!"

"Stay at your post and I will return for you presently," said Lorenzino,
going on to his own house across the way.

In the Piazza San Marco he overtook Alessandro, who dismissed his
attendants, and went on alone with his cousin. In Lorenzino's chamber
was a good fire, and Alessandro, complaining of the heat, loosened his
attire and removed his sword, handing it to Lorenzino, who deftly
entangled the sash and belt in the hilt and placed it upon the bed.

"Where is Caterina?" inquired the Duke. "Why is she not here?"

"She is quite ready," was the reply, "and only awaits me to conduct her
hither."

"Go at once and delay not!" cried Alessandro.

Locking the door from without, and putting the key in his pocket,
Lorenzino hastened to Michaele.

This "Caterina" was Caterina Ginori, Lorenzino's mother's sister. Forced
by her father, Paolo d'Antonio de' Soderini, to renou