If we were not familiar with the character of the public men of that age we should be surprised to learn that King Federico's proxy on this occasion was none other than Cardinal Ascanio Sforza, who had been instrumental in bringing about the marriage of his nephew and Lucretia, and who had consented in Sforza's name to the disgraceful divorce.

Thus were he and his brother Ludovico determined to retain the friendship of the Borgias at any price.
Lucretia received a dowry of forty thousand ducats, and the King of Naples bound himself to make over the cities of Quadrata and Biselli to his nephew for his dukedom.[59] The young Alfonso accordingly came to Rome in July to become the husband of a woman whom he must have regarded at least as unscrupulous and utterly fickle.

He doubtless looked upon himself as a sacrifice presented by his father at the altar of Rome.

Quietly and sorrowfully, welcomed by no festivities, almost secretly, came this unhappy youth to the papal city.

He went at once to his betrothed in the palace of S.
Maria in Portico.