If the account rested upon mere contemporary scandal, we might reject it on the ground of its inconsistency with his known character, and its likeness to other fabrications of his enemies.

There is, however, further evidence.

It is such evidence as would, at most, justify a verdict of "not proven" in a court of justice.

But the critic is not bound by legal rules, and has to say what is the most probable solution, without fear or favour.
I cannot here go into the minute details.

This much, however, may be taken as established.