Borgia family; Borja, Francisco de, Saint, 1510-1572; Italy -- History -- 1492-1559
At the Sixth Consistory of the twelfth of September 1498, the Lord
Alexander P.P. VI named one cardinal, who was
the Lord Georges d’Amboise, Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the
Christian Kings Charles VIII and Louis XII; Cardinal-Presbyter of
the Title of San Sisto.
* * * * *
At last, the Pope’s Holiness consented to allow Cardinal Cesare (detto
Borgia) to renounce the scarlet cardinalitial hat and the sapphire
cardinalitial ring, for a secular duchy, a royal wife, and a military
career; saying that his presence among the clergy was sufficient to
prevent reformation.[38] A marriage was proposed for him with Doña
Carlotta de Aragona Princess of Naples; but rejected by King Don
Federigo, who at the same time favoured the marriage which took place
between Madonna Lucrezia Borgia and Don Alonso de Aragona Prince of
Bisceglia. The plan of Cardinal Cesare was aided by fresh outbreaks at
the pontifical baronage, especially by a new league of Colonna and
Orsini on behalf of Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere. Now, no more time
was lost. Don Cesare (detto Borgia) renounced his cardinalate in full
consistory; and journeyed into France to cultivate the friendship of the
Christian King on behalf of the Papacy. New alliances were in the air.
King Louis XII saw no reason why he should remain in the ridiculous and
paralysing isolation which the braggadocio of his predecessor had won.
The Pope’s Holiness was by no means secure with Naples whose King Don
Federigo, though owing all to Him, was inclined to be obstreperous and
to show contempt, and to whose dominions the Catholic King and Queen
were reaching. An alliance with the Papacy would suit the plans of
France. An alliance with France would be of eminent service to the
Papacy, at this moment when Colonna and Orsini were on the war-path, and
the Muslim Infidel stirring the East. So, the mission of Don Cesare
(detto Borgia) met with great success; a working understanding was
arranged by his diplomacy; and the Christian King conferred on him the
French Duchy of Valentinois.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account