Lorenzo de' Medici, Seven Philosophical Questions in Verse

while I was departing from Pietro, the father (a Florentine citizen then my student), that great Lorenzo concluded thus: Pray to God that I may be able, for I will strive to accomplish with my might those things which Bessarion desired. From which I have undertaken this matter, I assert and something else. While at one time I was explaining moral philosophy to that magnificent Pietro, your father, and there were two associates with me, Giovanni Pratese, now Bishop of Aquila, a man of no mediocre fame and doctrine, and Antonio Barbarino, a professor of theology, he spoke these words: You know, Benignus, that we have many bishoprics and archbishoprics in the Kingdom and in the lands of the Church; we could indeed bestow some reward for your virtues by that path. But what then? I would not know how to advance you further. Your roof would be at stake with us. We are thinking, therefore, to move you to the administration of Tuscany, then to the office of General. Finally, on account of your knowledge and most courteous manners, to raise you to the dignity of the Cardinalate, which in the time of this pope would be very easy for us. Pope Innocent VIII was sitting then, a man truly the best and a chief benefactor. Suddenly the Bishop of Aquila, struck by the unusual pronouncement, exclaimed and added: If only he could be allowed to see the supreme pontiff. He replied prudently: Thus far I can; may God’s grace and his virtue advance him to further things. But let me return to the poem: