My obligation is more than I can ever repay, and I promise that my gratitude shall be eternal and measureless like the world.
As your most dutiful servant I shall always be ready to perform anything which may be acceptable to your Holiness, to whom I recommend myself and mine in all humility.

Your Holiness's son and servant, ERCOLE, Duke of Ferrara.
[FERRARA, _January 3, 1493_.] The letter shows how great was the duke's anxiety to remain on good terms with the Pope.
He was a vassal in Ferrara of the Roman Church, which was endeavoring to transform itself into a monarchy.

The princes, as well as the republicans of Italy,--at least those whose possessions were close to the sphere of action of the Holy See or were its vassals,--studied every new pope with suspicion and fear, and also with curiosity to see in what direction nepotism would develop under him.

How easily Alexander VI might have again taken up the plans of the house of Borgia where they had been interrupted by the death of his uncle Calixtus, and have followed in the footsteps of Sixtus IV! Moreover, it was only ten years since the last named pope had, in conjunction with Venice, waged war on Ferrara.
Ercole had maintained friendly relations with Alexander VI when he was only a cardinal; Rodrigo Borgia had even been godfather to his son Alfonso when he was baptized.

For his other son, Ippolito, the duke, through his ambassador in Rome, Gianandrea Boccaccio, endeavored to secure a cardinal's cap.