ming more convinced that it will prove advantageous for us; it
nevertheless appears proper, in view of our relations with his
Holiness, that he should be informed of our position.

You will, therefore, tell him everything, and also let him see the
copies, if you think best, but you must say to him in our name that
he is not to ascribe their authorship to us, and that we have not
sent you these copies because of any special importance that we
attached to them.

FERRARA, _October 3, 1501_.

The duke now allowed nothing to shake his resolution. Early in October
he selected the escort whose departure from Ferrara, he frankly stated,
would depend upon the progress of his negotiations with the Pope. The
constitution of the bridal trains, both Roman and Ferrarese, was an
important question, and is referred to in one of Gerardo's despatches.

ILLUSTRIOUS SIR, ETC.: To-day at six o'clock Hector and I
were alone with the Pope, having your letters of the twenty-sixth
ultimo and of the first of the present month, and also a list of
those who are to compose the escort. His Holiness was greatly
pleased, the various persons being people of wealth and standing,
as he could readily see, the rank and position of each being
clearly indicated. I have learned from the best of sources that
your Excellency has exceeded all the Pope's expectations. After we
had conversed a while with his Holiness, the illustrious Duke of
Romagna and Cardinal Orsini were summoned. There were also present
Monsignor Elna, Monsignor Troche, and Messer Adriano. The Pope had
the list read a second time, and again it was praised, especially
by the duke, who said he was acquainted with several of the persons
named. He kept the list, thanking me warmly when I gave it to him
again, for he had returned it to me.

We endeavored to get the list of those who are to come with the
illustrious Duchess, but it has not yet been prepared. His Holiness
said that there would not be many women among the number, as the
ladies of Rome were not skilful horsewomen.[121] Hitherto the
Duchess has had five or six young ladies at her court--four very
young girls and three married women--who will remain with her
Majesty. She has, however, been advised not to bring them, as many
of the great ladies in Ferrara will offer her their servic