Pazzi Conspiracy
Stumbling Along
But Lorenzo cancelled his trip to Rome, citing a variety of reasons. When they got word, the conspirators decided they would have to strike on Medici home turf. They still didn't want to risk Florence, though. They decided to use the occasion of a visit of a della Rovere family member, and to do the deed while Lorenzo was at one of his villas. In time-honored tradition, the murders would be done at a banquet. The date was set for April 19.
But when everyone had assembled, Giuliano was not present. He had hurt his leg in a fall, and he declined to attend. It was too risky to kill one brother and not the other, so the conspirators had to change their plans again. Thinking quickly, the Archbishop asked Lorenzo if he might visit the Medici palace the following week, to admire the great works of art Il Magnifico had collected there.
This was satisfactory to everyone. Lorenzo would hold a banquet at the family palace, and everyone could first go to Mass. The new date set was April 26.