Scene 5 preliminary

Here's the aria and ending action for scene 4 - so far we have been narrating a story.

"I enter the ancient courts of the men of antiquity where affectionately received by them I graze on that food that alone is mine and for which I was born, where I am not too timid to speak with them and ask them about the reasons for their actions; and they in their courtesy answer me; and for four hours of time I feel no weariness, I forget every trouble, I do not fear poverty, death does not dismay me; I transfer all of myself into them ..."

He sits at a long table and as the lighting changes, appears to have conversation with unseen guests.

Now we will relive the experiences that formed M's thought and we will project quotes from M's writing which corresponds to the action.

Scene 5. Carnival during the reign of Lorenzo (or some other suitable time) A wild pagan celebration. An aria from Lorenzo de' Medici about pleasure and patronage of the arts. Voices from offstage whisper in dark conspiracy. Do we dramatise the conspiracy and murder inside the cathedral of April 26 1478?
Or just sing about it (amid the whispers)

A quote from Mach. (projected)
The whole state had been so restricted to the Medici, who took so much authority, that it was required for those who were malcontent either to endure that mode of living with patience or, if indeed they wanted to eliminate it, attempt to do so by way of conspiracy and secretly.
(Florentine Histories VIII, I; also Unger pg 267)

A quote referring to the conspiracy itself and it's aftermath.

Another quote from Mach which indicates how the love of the people is the prince's best defense.