Note *3 — Chapter XIX

It is unlikely that Machiavelli abetted the massacre, though he certainly approved it dispassionately enough. By it the Papacy was rid at last of the houses of Colonna and Orsini. Cesare met Machiavelli after the affair "with the best cheer in the world," reminding him that he had given him a hint of his intentions, but adding, "I did not tell you all." He urged on Machiavelli his desire for a firm alliance with Florence. Cf. Machiavelli, Legazione al Valentino, Lett. 86, and the Modo tenuto dal Duca Valentino nel ammazzare Vitellozzo. See also Creighton, op. cit., vol V., p. 40.