Montughi, just beyond the
Porta Rosso, on the high road to Bologna. Consultations between the
heads of the two families, Pazzi and Salviati--were held there, with the
concurrence of a certain number of influential citizens inimical to the
Medici.

These meetings were given out as hunting-parties and, to blind their
eyes, overtures were made to both Lorenzo and Giuliano to honour the
sport with their presence. Needless to say, Francesco de' Pazzi's return
to Florence, in company with the unfriendly Archbishop, aroused
Lorenzo's suspicions, but he does not appear to have taken any action.

Montesicco was instructed to make himself and his lieutenant familiar
with the stage upon which he was destined to play his part of the plot,
and especially to observe the persons and the habits of the two Medici
princes. Furthermore, he was directed to seek a personal interview with
Lorenzo, on the pretence of submitting suggestions, propounded by Count
Girolamo, with respect to the acquisition of some _poderi_ near Faenza.

Lorenzo received his visitor with his usual courtesy and hospitality,
and, whilst he wondered why Riario should depute such a redoubtable
warrior to deal with peaceful matters, he never dreamt that foul play
was intended. Montesicco was greatly impressed by the Magnifico's
ingenuousness and nobility of character, and still more by the evident
esteem and affection in which he was held by all classes of the
population. He earnestly reconsidered the bargain he had made: "I
resolved," he said in his confession, "that my sword should not slay
that just man."

The counsels at Montughi were divergent and acrimonious. At length a
resolution was agreed to, as offering a suitable and secure locality for
the perpetration of the deed in contemplation, namely, to invite Lorenzo
to Rome in the name of Sixtus. Such a step would be regarded as a proof
that the Pope no longer opposed Lorenzo's government, but that a _modus
vivendi_ had been reached, agreeable to all parties. Giuliano was to be
included in the invitation as well. Of course the hope was entertained
that a favourable opportunity would be afforded, during the Papal
hospitalities, for the murder of the two brothers.

The Archbishop took the lead in all these deliberations--he and Giacopo
de' Pazzi were boon companions. "They made no profession of any virtue,"
wrote Ser Varillas, in his _Secret History of the Medici_, "either moral
or Christian; they played perpetua