Meanwhile Lucrezia's husband, who had long been
awake to the danger which he incurred by living near
his terrible father-in-law, had returned to Naples. Dis-
simulation, however, by constant use had become so in-
grained in the character of both Alexander and Csesar,
that there was no perceptible change in their relations
with him, and he was beginning to forget his fears, when
he received an invitation from the pope and his son to
come to Rome and take part in a bull-fight after the
Spanish fashion, with which they proposed to celebrate
the duke's departure. In the precarious situation of the
royal house of Naples it would have been impolitic for
Alphonzo to afford Alexander the slightest pretext for a
rupture ; he was reluctant, therefore, to refuse without
sufficient reason, and so betook himself to Rome. It was
thought to be useless to consult Lucrezia in the matter,
for on two or three occasions she had shown signs of an
absurd attachment for her husband, and she was left un-
disturbed in her petty government of Spoleto.
Alphonzo was welcomed by the pope and the Due de
Valentinois with every indication of sincere friendship,
and they gave him the suite of rooms he formerly occu-
pied with Lucrezia in that wing of the Vatican called
Torre-Nova.
Spacious lists were prepared on the Square of St.
Peter's, and the streets leading into the square were bar-
ricaded. The neighboring houses afforded private boxes
already made at their windows. The pope and his court
were on the balcony of the Vatican.
The performance was begun by hired toreadors ; when
they had given a satisfactory exhibition of their strength



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188 THE BOEGIAS.
