]

Alexander's life is the very antithesis of the Christian ideal. To be
convinced of this it is only necessary to compare the Pope's deeds with
the teachings of the Gospel. Compare his actions with the Commandments:
"Thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not
bear false witness."

The fact that Rodrigo Borgia was a pope must seem to all the members of
the Church the most unholy thing connected with it, and one which they
have reason bitterly to regret. This fact, however, can never lessen the
dignity of the Church--the greatest production of the human mind--but
does it not destroy a number of transcendental theories which have been
associated with the papacy?

The execrations which all Italy directed against Alexander could
scarcely have reached Lucretia's ears, but she doubtless anticipated
them. Her distress must have been great. Her entire life in Rome
returned and overwhelmed her. Her father had been the cause, first, of
all her unhappiness, and subsequently of all her good fortune. Filial
affection and religious fears must have assailed her at one and the same
time. Bembo describes her suffering. This man, subsequently so famous,
came to Ferrara in 1503, a young Venetian nobleman of the highest
culture and fairest presence. He was warmly received by Lucretia, for
whom he conceived great admiration. The accomplished cavalier wrote her
the following letter of condolence:

I called upon your Majesty yesterday partly for the purpose of
telling you how great was my grief on account of your loss, and
partly to endeavor to console you, and to urge you to compose
yourself, for I knew that you were suffering a measureless sorrow.
I was able to do neither the one nor the other; for, as soon as I
saw you in that dark room, in your black gown, lying weeping, I was
so overcome by my feelings that I stood still, unable to speak, not
knowing what to say. Instead of giving sympathy, I myself was in
need of it, therefore I departed, completely overcome by the sad
sight, mumbling and speechless, as you noticed or might have
noticed. Perhaps this happened to me because you had need of
neither my sympathy nor my condolences; for, knowing my devotion
and fidelity, you would also be aware of the pain which I felt on
account of your sorrow, and you in your wisdom may find consolation
within and not look to others for it. The best way