128
FLORENCE.
and addressed them in his last and memorable words : “ My sons, in
the presence of God, standing before the sacred Host, and with my
enemies already in the convent, I now confirm my doctrine. What I
have said came to me from God, and He is my witness in heaven that
what I say is true. I little thought that the whole city would so soon
have turned against me; but God’s will be done. My last admonition
to you is this— Let your arms be faith, patience, and prayer. I leave
you with anguish and pain, to pass into the hands of my enemies. I
know not whether they will take my lise; but of this I am certain, that,
dead, I shall be able to do sar more sor you in heaven, than living I
have ever had power to do on earth. Be comforted, embrace the cross,
and by that you will find the haven of salvation.”
•The enemy had now got full possession of the convent, and Giovac-
chino della Vecchia, who commanded the Palazzo guard, threatened to
destroy everything with his artillery if the commands of the Signory
were not immediately obeyed. These were, that, on the faith that their
persons would be safe, Fra Girolamo, Fra Domenico, and Fra Salvestro
should be delivered up. But Malatesta Sacramoro, the same who had
offered to pass through the fire, began to play the part of Judas ; he had
a conference with the Compagnacci, and advised them to bring a written
order. While they were sent to obtain it from the Signory, Savonarola
confessed to Fra Domenico, received the communion from him, and
prepared to give himself up with Fra Domenico. Fra Salvestro had
concealed himself, and in the disturbance it was not easy to find him.
A singular incident occurred about this time. Girolamo Gini, a
follower of the Friar, who had long desired to assume the Dominican
dress, was that evening at vespers ; and scarcely had the tumult begun
than he armed himself to desend the convent. When Savonarola ordered
him to lay aside his arms the good citizen obeyed ; but he ran through
the cloisters, facing the enemy, wishing, as he said, to meet death sor
the love of Jesus Christ ; and, having been wounded, he entered the
Greek library, his head streaming with blood, threw himself on his
knees before Savonarola, and humbly asked that the convent dress might
be given to him—a request which was immediately granted.’— Villari.
Decending the stairs, and turning to the right, we enter
the Second Cloister. Here, on the left, is the Dormitory of
the Novices— I nostri Angioli ’—as Savonarola was wont to
call them. It is now used for the meetings of the
Accademia della Crusca. Five of its eight lunettes are by
Fra Bartolommeo.
The Convent Garden is especially connected with an inci¬
dent in the life of Savonarola.
*After attending the mass of S. Marco, as Lorenzo de’ Medici now