Lorenzo’s end was fast approaching. The following extracts from Manfredi’s letters show how terribly he suffered, and with what fortitude he bore extreme pain. From his last words to Filippo Valori and Andrea Cambini, who accompanied the young Cardinal Giovanni to Rome, “I entrust the youth of my son to you, you will not see me again,” it is evident he knew death was near. But in the long letter to his son at Rome he makes no allusion to his own health, as though he did not wish to cloud the lad’s first entrance into life. It is full of political wisdom, knowledge of the world, and fatherly foresight. After Giovanni’s departure Lorenzo rallied a little, and on March 21st was carried to Careggi, attended by his favourite sister Bianca, his daughter Lucrezia, his eldest son Piero, and the faithful Poliziano. Manfredo di Manfredi, _Ambassador from Ferrara to Florence, to the_ Duke Ercole d’Este ... The Magnificent Lorenzo has not been able to see any of the ambassadors on account of his gout which gives him great pain....--Florence, January 16, 1492.[395] ... Since several days the Magnificent Lorenzo is very ill and much tormented with pain all over the body save in the head. His agony is such that _est res miranda_ how he can live. It is true the doctors do not think it is an _infirmitas ad mortem_, but he is very weak from want of rest. May God restore him to his usual health, for it really moves one’s compassion to hear the state he is in....--Florence, February 11, 1492.[396] ... For three days the Magnificent Lorenzo has been in such pain that no one could see him....--Florence, March 5, 1492.[397] ... Since two days the Magnificent Lorenzo is better though he still has attacks of pain. It is thought that this perverse and very cold weather affects him....--Florence, March 8, 1492.[398]