He, too, had calculated that Rome would improve, and on the high-priced land he had begun to build entire streets, imagining he could become like the Dukes of Bedford and of Westminster in London, the owner of whole districts.

His houses finished, they did not rent, however.

To complete the rest he had to borrow.

He speculated in order to pay his debts, lost, and contracted more debts in order to pay the difference.

His signature, as the proprietor of the Marzocco had said, was put to innumerable bills of exchange.