He hated him as a tyrant.

He would not give him the right hand of friendship or the salute of civility.

In the same spirit he afterwards denounced Alexander, scorned his excommunication, and plotted with the kings of Christendom for the convening of a Council.

Lorenzo, however, was a man of supreme insight into character, and knew how to value his antagonist.

Therefore, when the hour for dying came, and when, true child of the Renaissance that he was, he felt the need of sacraments and absolution, he sent for Savonarola, saying that he was the only honest friar he knew.