e buried a third lover, Giovanni Medici, in 1497.

With cunning and force this amazon ruled her little domain until she
herself finally fell into Caesar's hands. Few lamented her fate. When the
news reached Milan that she was in the duke's power, and consequently
also in that of Pope Alexander, the celebrated General Giangiacomo
Trivulzio made a jesting remark which clearly shows how little her fate
grieved the people. According to the stories of the day, Caesar led her
to Rome in golden chains, like another Queen of Palmyra. He entered the
city in triumph, February 26th, and the Pope assigned the Belvedere to
the captive for her abode.

The city was filled at that time with the faithful, who had come to
receive absolution for their sins, this the jubilee year,--and from a
Borgia. Among the number was Elisabetta Gonzaga, consort of Guidobaldo
of Urbino. The pilgrimage of this famous woman was a dangerous
experiment, the Pope having secretly placed Urbino on the list of
proscribed cities included in the Church fiefs. Caesar already looked
upon it as his property. The thought of meeting this Borgia in Rome must
have been exceedingly painful to her. How easily might he have found a
pretext for keeping her prisoner! Her brother, Francesco Gonzaga, warned
her against her decision, but on her way to Rome she wrote him a letter
so remarkable and so amiable that we quote it at length:

ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE AND LORD, HONORED BROTHER: I have left
Urbino and set out for Rome for the purpose of receiving
absolution, this the jubilee year. Several days ago I informed your
Excellency of my prospective journey. Only to-day, in Assisi, did I
receive your letter; I understand from what you write that you
wish me to abandon this journey--perhaps thinking that I have not
yet set out--which grieves me greatly, and causes me unspeakable
pain, because I wish in this as in all other things to do your
Majesty's will, having always looked upon you as my most honored
father, and never having had any thought or purpose but to follow
your wishes. However, as I have said, I am now on the way and am
out of the country. With the help of Fabritius (Colonna) and
Madonna Agnesina, my honored sister-in-law and sister, I have made
arrangements for a residence in Rome, and for whatever may be
necessary for my comfort. I have also informed them that I would be
in Marino four day