CHAPTER XXII.

THE RENAISSANCE IN ROME.--A.D. 1513 TO 1528.

Accession of Leo X. His entry into Rome. State of Rome at this time. Its brilliant society. The Roman Court. The wits and poets. Leo’s magnificent patronage of letters. Corruption of manners. Spread of infidelity in the literary circles of Italy. The Fifth Council of Lateran. Restoration of the Roman University. The Ciceronians. Sadolet and Bembo. Paganism of art and literature. Erasmus and Luther at Rome. Impressions received by both. Death of Leo, and accession of Adrian VI. Dismay of the professors. His attempts at Reform. Clement VII. Tokens of a change. The Oratory of Divine Love. St. Cajetan and the Theatines. The sack of Rome. 655