The Catholic King had ever deceit in his heart and the name of God on his lips.

He was accused by a rival of having cheated him twice; the charge was repeated to Ferdinand.

"He lies," he broke out, "I cheated him three times." He was faithful to one principle only, self-aggrandisement by fair means or foul.

His favourite scheme was a kingdom in Northern Italy; but in the way of its realisation his own overreaching ambition placed an insuperable bar.

Italy had been excluded from his truce with France to leave him free to pursue that design;[118] but in July, 1512, the (p.