Light on Lucrezia Read Online Free PDF

in the Vatican, to that room, which she knew so well, with the Pinturicchio murals and the ceiling on which was carved the gilded bull and the papal crown.
    Here Alfonso was waiting for her and, as she looked at him in his magnificent wedding garments, there was no doubt in her mind that he was the most handsome man in Italy.
    The Pope smiled benignly at the young couple, and he was amused because of what he saw in their eyes.
    They knelt before the Papal throne and the wedding ceremony took place and, in accordance with the ancient custom, a naked sword was held over the heads of the bride and groom. This duty fell to a Spanish captain, Juan Cervillon, and as he stood very still, his sword held high above this beautiful pair, many eyes were turned to that gleaming blade, and the question was in many minds: How long before it will descend on our little bridegroom?

     
    The ceremony was over, and it was time for the feasting and celebration. Lucrezia walked by her husband’s side and even her dress, stiff with embroidery and pearls and heavy with jewels, could not impair her grace. Dainty and elegant, as she was, she seemed aloof from the coarse jests, which were encouraged by the Pope. Her bridegroom was enchanted with her and he and she seemed apart from the company. All noticed their absorption in each other, and the Pope pointed it out to all who came near him.
    “What a delightful pair!” he cried. “Did you ever see a more beautiful bride and groom? And I declare that they are so eager for each other that they are wishing the feasting and dancing over. The marriage will be consummated before long, I have no doubt.”
    And as they came into the apartment where the banquet was in readiness, one of Sanchia’s suite, who had heard that his mistress had been bitterlyhumiliated by Cesare and was determined to show his loyalty, stuck out his foot while one of Cesare’s suite was passing and the man went sprawling on the floor. This caused much amusement among Sanchia’s suite and several leaped on to the fallen man and began belaboring him. Hot-blooded Spaniards, servants of Cesare, were not prepared to see one of their number so treated; they pushed into the fray and soon there was pandemonium throughout the apartment.
    Cardinals and Bishops sought to make peace, calling on the protagonists to desist for fear of the Pope’s displeasure; but there was too much noise for them to be heard, and hot-tempered Spaniards and Neapolitans continued to fight.
    One Bishop was felled to the ground; another was bleeding at the nose; and Alexander, who could not help laughing inwardly at the sight of his Bishops without their dignity, delayed for a few seconds before, in an authoritative voice, he put an end to the skirmish by threatening terrible punishment to all concerned in it unless they desisted at once.
    There was quiet and those who a moment before had been defending and attacking with vigor crept back to their places while Alexander led the bride and the bridegroom to the banqueting table.
    But the fight was an omen. There were several present who knew what it indicated. The rumors of a possible marriage between Cesare and Sanchia had been well circulated. It would seem that Sanchia’s supporters had a score to settle with those of Cesare. Could this mean that Cesare, when he obtained his release from the Church would look elsewhere for a bride?
    Sanchia’s angry looks supported this theory; as did Cesare’s sly contented ones.
    Now the Pope called for music and entertainment behaving as though nothing unusual had happened.
    There followed the songs, the dancing and the theatrical performances. During these Cesare appeared dressed as a unicorn, and such was his beauty and dignity that the Pope’s eyes glistened with pride and even Lucrezia turned from her bridegroom for a moment and had eyes for none but her brother.
    As Lucrezia danced with her bridegroom, there was an ecstatic air about them both, and not since they