A letter from Pius II to Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia
Beloved Son,
We have heard that, four days ago, several ladies of Siena—women entirely given over to worldly frivolities—were assembled in the gardens of Giovanni di Bichis and that you, quite forgetful of the high office with which you are invested, were with them from the seventeenth to the twenty-second hour. With you was one of your colleagues whose age alone, if not dignity of his office, ought to have recalled him to his duty. We have heard that the most licentious dances were indulged in, none of the allurements of love were lacking and you conducted yourself in a wholly worldly manner. Shame forbids mention of all that took place—not only the acts themselves but their very names are unworthy of you position. In order that your lusts might be given free rein the husbands, fathers, brothers and kinsmen of the young women were not admitted… All Siena is talking about the orgy…. Our displeasure is beyond words… A cardinal should be beyond reproach…
Beloved Son,
We have heard that, four days ago, several ladies of Siena—women entirely given over to worldly frivolities—were assembled in the gardens of Giovanni di Bichis and that you, quite forgetful of the high office with which you are invested, were with them from the seventeenth to the twenty-second hour. With you was one of your colleagues whose age alone, if not dignity of his office, ought to have recalled him to his duty. We have heard that the most licentious dances were indulged in, none of the allurements of love were lacking and you conducted yourself in a wholly worldly manner. Shame forbids mention of all that took place—not only the acts themselves but their very names are unworthy of you position. In order that your lusts might be given free rein the husbands, fathers, brothers and kinsmen of the young women were not admitted… All Siena is talking about the orgy…. Our displeasure is beyond words… A cardinal should be beyond reproach…