hat blasphemy?"

The Pope pressed his forefinger softly upon the mouth of the Devil, and
said, "Cavalier, these are state secrets: handle them not; for if you do,
I myself, with all my authority, shall not be able to protect you."

Every male in the assembly now opened his purse, either from a wish to
pay his court to the Pope, or to quiet his conscience. The Bishop had so
many applications, that he was soon obliged to call in other secretaries,
to assist him in expediting absolutions. Each applicant took away his
particular license, and each sought and found an opportunity of using it
during the remainder of the night. Never were sins committed with more
quiet minds.

Ferrara of Modena, the next day, caused this tariff to be fairly copied;
he then sent it to the press, {249} and caused it to be secretly
circulated throughout Christendom.

Caesar Borgia did not forget the promise which he had made to his sister.
Alphonso of Arragon was dispatched on the steps of the Gonfalonier's
palace, at the moment he was about to enter, in order to be present at a
play to which all the nobility of Rome had been invited, and which
represented the victories of the great Caesar, whom Borgia intended
henceforward to imitate, if not excel. This latter personage shortly
after marched out of Rome with his army; and, within the space of a few
months, the Devil purloined from the Pope's pocket the following letter,
which he gave Faustus to read:

"REVEREND FATHER,--

"I kiss the feet of your holiness. Victory and fortune have followed
my steps, and I drag them behind my car like slaves. I hope now that
Caesar is worthy of his name; for I also can say, _Veni_, _vidi_,
_vici_. The Duke of Urbino has fallen into the snare which I laid
for him. By virtue of your holiness' letter, I asked him for his
artillery to fight your enemies with. Dazzled by the marks of
friendship and affection which I showed him, and which flattered his
self-love, he sent to me a gentleman with his consent in writing.
Having thus a very decent pretence, I instantly despatched some
thousands of men to Urbino, who, by my commands, took possession of
that city and of the whole duchy. The duke, unfortunately, escaped;
but I revenged myself for his flight upon the powerful and dangerous
family of Montefeltro, and annihilated their whole race. Vitelozzo
was fool enough to join me, with all his troops,