Commentary on the Pazzi Conspiracy

...Lorenzo, where is Giuliano? They learn that both are in the temple of the Divine Reparata. They hasten there. The Cardinal is taken to the choir loft according to custom. And while the mysteries of the Eucharist are being celebrated, the Archbishop with Jacopo Poggio and the two Jacopos Salviati and several others, his companions, hasten to the Curia in order to drive the Florentine lords from the stronghold and occupy the Curia himself. The rest remain in the temple to carry out the crime. Johannes Baptista, who had been designated for the murder of Lorenzo, had refused the task. Antonio Volaterranus and Stephanus had undertaken it. The others were aiming for Giuliano. There, first, by the communication of the priest Pazzi, at the given signal, Bernardo Bandini, Francesco Pazzi, and others of the conspirators, having made a circle, surround Giuliano. Bandini, the leader, having driven his sword into his chest, pierced the young man through. He, dying, fled a few paces, and they followed him; when the blood and strength had failed him, the young man collapsed to the ground. As he lay there, Francesco pierced him again and again with his dagger. Thus they put the pious young man to death. The servant who was following Giuliano, petrified with terror, had basely thrown himself into hiding. Meanwhile, the chosen assassins also attack Lorenzo. And indeed, Antonio Volaterranus first strikes him on the left shoulder, intending the blow for the throat. Terrified, he sheds his outer cloak and wraps it around his left arm; at the same time, he draws his sword from the scabbard, though he is attacked with only one blow. For while he is exerting himself, he receives a wound in the neck. Soon, this keen and spirited man, with drawn sword, turns toward the assassins and looks around, guarding himself cautiously. They, terrified, take to flight. Nor was he sluggish in defending himself, along with the Cavalcanti, whose follower he was.