The social atmosphere reeked with heresy and cynicism.

In that Italianated Court, public affairs and religious questions were treated from a purely diplomatic point of view.

Not principle, but practical convenience ruled conduct and opinion.

The large scale on which Machiavellism manifested itself in the discordant realm of France, the apparent breakdown of Catholicism as a national institution, struck Tasso with horror.

He openly proclaimed his views, and roundly taxed the government with dereliction of their duty to the Church.