, 1883-06-30
THE MEDICI FAMILY.

From the bosom of commerce
sprung the illustrious family of Me-
dici, which in celebrity has eclipsed
those OF almost all the sovereigns Of
Europe. John de Mcdici, whose in
fluence and ascendancy in the cOun-
ellis Of the commonwealth arose not
more from his vast possessions than
for his virtue and bcneficience, was
the first banker and merchant Of
Italy. Cardinal Colona, after his ele-
walton to the chair Of st. Peter by
Martin the Fifth, when reduced to
apply to him for peCuniary assist
ance, scruppled not to pledge to him
the pontiiical crown, hut afterward
created him Duke Of Monteverdi.
At his death, notwithstanding
the immense treasures he bequeathed
to his family, yet so boundless had
been his largrness and donations to
the necessitous among his fellow
citizens, that he was attended to the
grave by a prodigiOus concOurse of
his weeping cOuntrymen, and hon
ored with the title Of "Father Of the
Poor"
COsmO, the eldest son, succeeded
to his virtues, and far eXcelled him
in strength Of genius, power and
reputation. Banished from Florence
by triumphant faction, he was re-
called only to enjoy an augmented
degreG Of public confidence. His in
fluencc, always eNerted to produce
the most beneficial and laudable ef-
fects, attained a strength and solid
ity which no despotism could have
conferred. Constantly engaged in
commerce, he employed and en-
riched a multitude of persons, who
in return sustained his own great
ness. His vessels traded at every
port, and his factors at Constantine
pie, Cairo, and along the coast of Les
ser Asia, enjoyed the most distin-
guished consideration.
The Sultans of Egypt, the emlrs
of Babylon, and the Turkish Empcr-
ers were all connected with him by
commercial ties.
The Paleolgi, in whose family ex-
pired the empiPeot COnstantinople,
sold him the, jewel and splendid
furniture of the imperial palaces,
during a state of depression to which
they We're reduced previous to their
final destruction by Mahomet the
Second. To the claims to the admir-
alton Of his contemporaries and Of
pOsterity which commerce and riches
could confer, COsmo added another
by his prlncely protection Of letters.
The memorable era, distinguished
by the name Of "the age of Medici,"
commenced with CosmO, and forms
an epoch in the annals Of literature.
His house was the asylum Of genius
and talent from every part of Italy
and Greece. The most precious
manuscripts, preserved by his care
from the barbarous rage of the Turks,
and purchased by his order, were
transmitted to future times. Num-
her Of learned men, driven by Turk
ish sultans to take refuge in Florence
and other italian States, received
from his bounty liberal provision,
and repaid him by their grateful
eulogiums.
More fortunate in the close of his
life than Pericles, Cosmo, after pre-
siding during thirty years over the
republic, during which time he en-
bellished the capital with monuments
of utility and magnificence, expired
at a very advanced age, free from the
infirmitics with which it is usually
accompanied. Ills memory was in-
expressibly dear to his countrymen,
who, hS,a public decree, inscribed on
his his tomb the glorious title of
"Father Of his Country"