s being true. Yet
it is a singular fact that a thorough investigation of this case of the
Countess Sforza-Riario's poisoned letter reveals it to be neither wild
nor impossible but simply diabolical. The explanation of the matter
is to be found in Andrea Bernardi's Chronicles of Forli. He tells us
exactly how the thing was contrived, with a precision of detail which we
could wish to see emulated by other contemporaries of his who so lightly
throw out accusations of poisoning. He informs us that a deadly and
infectious disease was rampant in Forli in that year 1499, and that,
before dispatching her letter to the Pope, the Countess caused it to be
placed upon the body of one who was sick of this infection--thus hoping
to convey it to his Holiness.(1)

1 "Dite litre lei le aveva fate tocare et tenere adose ad uno nostro
infetado."--Andrea Bernardi (Cronache di Forli).

Alexander held a thanksgiving service for his escape at Santa Maria
della Pace, and Cardinal Raffaele Riario fled precipitately from Rome,
justly fearful of being involved in the papal anger that must fall upon
his house.

By that time, however, Cesare had already taken the field. The support
of Louis, conqueror of Milan, had been obtained, and in this Cardinal
Giuliano della Rovere had once more been helpful to the Borgias.

His reconciliation with the Pope, long since deserved by the services he
had rendered the House of Borgia in forwarding Cesare's aims, as we
have seen, was completed now by an alliance which bound the two families
together. His nephew, Francesco della Rovere, had married Alexander's
niece, Angela Borgia.

There is a letter from Giuliano to the Pope, dated October 12, 1499, in
which he expresses his deep gratitude in the matter of this marriage,
which naturally redounded to the advantage of his house, and pledges
himself to exert all the influence which he commands with Louis XII for
the purpose of furthering the Duke of Valentinois' wishes. So well does
he keep this promise that we see him utterly abandoning his cousins
the Riarii, who were likely to be crushed under the hoofs of the now
charging bull, and devoting himself strenuously to equip Cesare for
that same charge. So far does he go in this matter that he is one of the
sureties--the other being the Cardinal Giovanni Borgia--for the loan
of 45,000 ducats raised by Cesare in Milan towards the cost of his
campaign.

This is the moment in which to pause and consider this