which they were built is still shown as the entrance to the sibyl's
cave.




XIII

LORENZO DE' MEDICI


The statue of Lorenzo de' Medici is the central figure on the tomb
erected to the memory of this prince. He was the rather unworthy
namesake of his illustrious grandfather, who was known as Lorenzo the
Magnificent. The Medici family was for many generations the richest
and most powerful in Florence. They were originally merchants, and, as
the name signifies, physicians, and, accumulating great wealth, they
became powerful leaders, and really the rulers of the republic.

Some of them were munificent patrons of art and literature. There was
one named Cosimo, who did so much to make his city famous that he was
called _Pater Patriae_, the father of the country, as was, centuries
afterwards, our own Washington. His grandson Lorenzo won the title of
the Magnificent for his lavish generosity and superb plans for the
advancement of art and learning. So much power could not safely be in
the hands of a single family. The Medici, from being benefactors,
finally became tyrants.

The Lorenzo of this statue was one of the more insignificant members
of the family. It is said that "he inherited the vices without the