The Family - Mario Puzo [122]
Pope Alexander wanted the jubilee to be magnificent, to be so splendid that it would reflect the majesty of God. Therefore, he had much to do. He must build new avenues, broad and clean for carriages to travel upon. The slums must be torn down, and new buildings constructed to harbor the pilgrims in safety and comfort.
Alexander called Cesare into his chambers and asked him to take charge of the project, for it was to his benefit to make this jubilee as financially successful as possible.
Cesare agreed, but then brought his father some unpleasant news. “I have received reliable reports that two men in your service are disloyal to you. The first is the papal master of ceremonies, Johannes Burchard.”
“And what have you heard about Herr Burchard?” Alexander asked.
Cesare cleared his throat before he said, “That he is in the pay of Cardinal della Rovere, and that he keeps a diary filled with lies about our family, some quite scandalous.”
Alexander smiled slyly. “I’ve known about that diary for quite a long time, but Burchard is a valuable man.”
Cesare asked, “Valuable?”
Alexander explained, “His official duties as social secretary are frivolous. His real value to me is that anything I want della Rovere to know, I tell Burchard. It’s a marvelous and efficient system, and so far has served me well.”
“Have you read the diary?” Cesare asked.
Alexander laughed out loud. “I have. In secret, for some time now. Portions of it are quite interesting, for were we as depraved as he has made us out to be, we should be having far more enjoyment. Other portions border on the ridiculous, for they show a true lack of intelligence. Some are laughable.”
Cesare frowned. “I’m certain that della Rovere plans someday to release it as a true record of your papacy. You’re not concerned?”
Alexander’s eyes were wise and clear. “Cesare, there are so many scandalmongers in place paid by our enemies, one more won’t make a difference.”
“Yet you could stop them,” Cesare said.
The Pope was thoughtful for several minutes before he answered. “Rome is a free city, my son,” he said. “And I value freedom.”
Cesare looked with suspicion at his father. “Slanderers and liars remain free, Father, while those who rule and serve remain unable to defend themselves? For no one believes the truth. If it were me who had to judge the scandalmongers I would punish them severely; they would not get away with such scandalous lies and insults.”
Pope Alexander was amused by his son’s outrage. As though a Pope could keep people from forming an opinion and recording their thoughts! Better to know what they say than to have it hidden. “Freedom is not a right but a privilege, and one I choose at this time to bestow on Burchard. There may come a time when my mind is changed, but for now the idea of freedom appeals to me.”
When Cesare told his father about the next accusation he was disturbed, for he knew what it would mean to his sister. “I have heard from several very trustworthy sources, Father, that someone within our family is plotting with our enemies to destroy us.”
Alexander’s expression didn’t change. “You’re not going to tell me it’s your poor brother, Jofre?”
“No, Father,” Cesare said. “Of course not. But someone close who endangers us. Lucrezia’s beloved, Prince Alfonso.”
An expression of alertness came over the Pope’s face, but for only a fleeting moment before he recovered. “A vicious rumor, Cesare. I’m certain. And we must withhold our judgment, for Crezia loves him very much. Still, I’ll look into it.”
At that moment they were interrupted by loud and festive music coming from the street below. Alexander reached the window first, pulled back the sash, and laughed. “Come here, Cesare, look at this.”
Cesare stood alongside his father and looked out. There, he saw a parade of masked men marching, all dressed in black. There were over fifty of them, and on each mask in place of a nose there grew an enormous raised penis.
“What is this?” Cesare asked, puzzled.
Alexander,