hospitality he had been bestowing, invited D'jem
to dinner on the very day that he was to leave Rome with his new
protector.

When the moment of departure arrived, Charles mounted his horse in full
armour, and with a numerous and brilliant following made his way to the
Vatican; arrived at the door, he dismounted, and leaving his escort at
the Piazza of St. Peter, went up with a few gentlemen only. He found His
Holiness waiting for him, with Cardinal Valentino on his right, and on
his left D'jem, who, as we said before, was dining with him, and round
the table thirteen cardinals. The king at once, bending on his knee,
demanded the pope's benediction, and stooped to kiss his feet. But this
Alexander would not suffer; he took him in his arms, and with the lips of
a father and heart of an enemy, kissed him tenderly on his forehead.
Then the pope introduced the son of Mahomet II, who was a fine young man,
with something noble and regal in his air, presenting in his magnificent
oriental costume a great contrast in its fashion and amplitude to the
narrow, severe cut of the Christian apparel. D'jem advanced to Charles
without humility and without pride, and, like an emperor's son treating
with a king, kissed his hand and then his shoulder; then, turning towards
the Holy Father, he said in Italian, which he spoke very well, that he
entreated he would recommend him to the young king, who was prepared to
take him under his protection, assuring the pontiff that he should never
have to repent giving him his liberty, and telling Charles that he hoped
he might some day be proud of him, if after taking Naples he carried out
his intention of going on to Greece. These words were spoken with so
much dignity and at the same time with such gentleness, that the King of
France loyally and frankly grasped the young sultan's hand, as though he
were his companion-in-arms. Then Charles took a final farewell of the
pope, and went down to the piazza. There he was awaited by Cardinal
Valentino, who was about to accompany him, as we know, as a hostage, and
who had remained behind to exchange a few words with his father. In a
moment Caesar Borgia appeared, riding on a splendidly harnessed mule, and
behind him were led six magnificent horses, a present from the Holy
Father to the King of France. Charles at once mounted one of these, to
do honour to the gift. The pope had just conferred on him, and leaving
Rome with the rest of his troops, purs