DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.36839#0155
CHAPTER XXXVI
1522
Confusion in the Vatican on the death oi Leo X.—Castiglione
pleads his master's cause with the College of Cardinals—The
Duke of Urbino recovers friends and his State—Meeting of the
conclave—-Disputes of the Cardinals—Election of Adrian VI.
—Dismay in Rome—Castiglione is deprived of Novillara—His
correspondence with the Duke.
THE death of Leo X. was a heavy loss to Castiglione,
both on personal and political grounds. With all the
late Pontiff's failings, there was something lovable
about the man. ' Every one seems to have loved this
poor Pope,'^ wrote a Venetian in Rome, and Cas-
tiglione was genuinely attached to him. During the
last few months, as we have seen, he had gained con-
siderable influence over Leo, and the Pope's death
just when all that he had toiled for seemed within his
grasp, was a bitter disappointment. But, with admir-
able resolution, he applied himself without a moment's
delay to see that none of the advantages which he
had secured for his lord were allowed to escape him
in these altered circumstances. On the day after
Leo's death he had a long interview with the four
Cardinals who were appointed administrators of the
vacant see, and pleaded his master's cause so effectively
that they agreed to all his demands.
i Sanuto, xxxii. 238.
131 9—2
1522
Confusion in the Vatican on the death oi Leo X.—Castiglione
pleads his master's cause with the College of Cardinals—The
Duke of Urbino recovers friends and his State—Meeting of the
conclave—-Disputes of the Cardinals—Election of Adrian VI.
—Dismay in Rome—Castiglione is deprived of Novillara—His
correspondence with the Duke.
THE death of Leo X. was a heavy loss to Castiglione,
both on personal and political grounds. With all the
late Pontiff's failings, there was something lovable
about the man. ' Every one seems to have loved this
poor Pope,'^ wrote a Venetian in Rome, and Cas-
tiglione was genuinely attached to him. During the
last few months, as we have seen, he had gained con-
siderable influence over Leo, and the Pope's death
just when all that he had toiled for seemed within his
grasp, was a bitter disappointment. But, with admir-
able resolution, he applied himself without a moment's
delay to see that none of the advantages which he
had secured for his lord were allowed to escape him
in these altered circumstances. On the day after
Leo's death he had a long interview with the four
Cardinals who were appointed administrators of the
vacant see, and pleaded his master's cause so effectively
that they agreed to all his demands.
i Sanuto, xxxii. 238.
131 9—2