CHAPTER XVI

1497. Ambitious nepotism of Alexander VI. 363

" Divorce of Lucrezia 363

" June 15. Murder of the Duke of Gandia 364

" " " Its mystery and scandals 364

" " " Its effect upon the public 366

" " " And on the Pope 366

" " 19. His oration, repentance, and relapse 366

" Followed by new favours to Cesare Borgia 369

" Who returns from his Neapolitan embassy a rejected Sept. 5. suitor 369

1498. Aug. Marriage of Lucrezia to the Duke of Bisceglia 369

" Guidobaldo's expedition against the Baglioni of Perugia 369

" He is engaged by the Medici to arm for their restoration to Florence 370

" Failure of the expedition 370

" His illness at Bibbiena 370

1499. He adopts his nephew Francesco Maria della Rovere, as heir of the dukedom 371

1498. April 7. Death of Charles VIII. 372

" " Succeeded by Louis XII. 372

" His views upon Italy 372

" State of parties there 372

" Ambition of Alexander to secure to Cesare a sovereignty 373

" His ecclesiastical orders annulled, and his embassy Sept. 17. to Paris with the King's divorce 373

" " 28. Letter of the Pope to Louis 374

" By whom Cesare is created Duke Valentino 375

" He aspires to the crown of Naples 375

" His magnificence 375

1499. Again rejected by a Neapolitan princess 375

" His intrigues as to Louis' divorce 375

" A new league against the French proposed 376

" The marriage of Duke Valentino 376

" Oct. 6. The French conquer Lombardy and enter Milan 377

" Guidobaldo's visit to Venice, and condotta by the June. Signory 377