The pilgrimage of this famous woman was a dangerous experiment, the Pope having secretly placed Urbino on the list of proscribed cities included in the Church fiefs.

Caesar already looked upon it as his property.

The thought of meeting this Borgia in Rome must have been exceedingly painful to her.

How easily might he have found a pretext for keeping her prisoner! Her brother, Francesco Gonzaga, warned her against her decision, but on her way to Rome she wrote him a letter so remarkable and so amiable that we quote it at length: ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE AND LORD, HONORED BROTHER: I have left Urbino and set out for Rome for the purpose of receiving absolution, this the jubilee year.

Several days ago I informed your Excellency of my prospective journey.