MEDICIS, Laurence or Laurene de, was descended from a brother of Cosmo the Great, and affected the name of popular. In 1537, he killed Alexander de Medicis, whom Charles V. had made duke of Florence, and who was believed to be the natural son of Laurence de Medicis duke of Urbino. He was jealous of Alexander's power, and disguised this jealousy under the specious pretext of love to his country. He loved men of learning, and cultivated literature. His works are, 1. Lamenti, Modena, 12mo. 2. Acidosis Commedia, Florence 1595, 12mo. He died without issue.