Pagina 65 de 310

Giovanni, therefore, did not fail in any attentions due to his

nephew, and he caused him to be honourably received by the

Fermians, and he lodged him in his own house, where, having

passed some days, and having arranged what was necessary for his

wicked designs, Oliverotto gave a solemn banquet to which he

invited Giovanni Fogliani and the chiefs of Fermo. When the

viands and all the other entertainments that are usual in such

banquets were finished, Oliverotto artfully began certain grave

discourses, speaking of the greatness of Pope Alexander and his

son Cesare, and of their enterprises, to which discourse Giovanni

and others answered; but he rose at once, saying that such

matters ought to be discussed in a more private place, and he

betook himself to a chamber, whither Giovanni and the rest of the

citizens went in after him. No sooner were they seated than

soldiers issued from secret places and slaughtered Giovanni and

the rest.