Journal Entry

Alexander VI
Giuliano della Rovere
1495
My suspicions of the man they now call Pope Alexander VI are truly
not of unfounded reason, for his machinations indeed include my untimely
demise. My support of the late Pope Innocent VIII and my trust of France
has prompted his dislike of me. Thus, I am sure that my assassination
would be both beneficial to him and undoubtedly quite pleasing to his
reptilian eyes that long for nothing but the sight of my spilt blood, for to
him it would surely be the most delicious of wines. I, however, have not
simply run from the man, neigh, I have indeed taken steps to face him
through my own stratagems. Alas, they have not brought anything near to
success. My schemes to rest my unending paranoia have been met only with
niceties that entice the king Charles VIII to form treaty with the dubious
snake. My expedition to Italy with Charles ended not with the dethroning of
the siren that attempts to lure me in with promises of undisturbed
residence in Rome though I will not be so easily fooled. I am neither a fool,
nor easily manipulated into fulfilling the desires of lesser men than I, that
would be audacious enough to even play with the idea of aggressing me. I
shalt bide my time, for the jackel underneath the smile of one gentle lamb
will surely rear its ugly head sometime soon. So I thus responsibily retreat
to the more reasonably gentle world of my lover in this game of chess for
surely I will be safe in the embrace of France, for even Alexander VI would
be unwise to turn his fangs on a nation in which he just made amends.

Giuliano della Rovere

1503
My patience was not without its most incredible rewards for at long
last my pursuer has been felled. The long and constantly draining life of
Alexander VI has come to a most satisfying end. I plan to return to Rome on
tomorrow's eve for the conclave that I am quite aware I have no hope of
winning. The Papacy I am sure will go to yet another fellow who I am sure
will be less of a problem than the late snake that sat on the ecclesiastical
throne. My life, however, is coming close to its end and I promise that I will
rise into the Papacy before I myself meet my lofty end.

Giuliano della Rovere

1503
Yet again I am blessed with a most satisfactory turn of events in
which I am now graced with an opportunity of greatest magnitude. Pope
Pius III has passed after a mere 26 days in the papacy and thus I am sure
that my time is now. It will not be difficult to claim the ecclesiastical throne
considering these men are even more vain than I. Their greed will be their
undoing and the cause of my greatest achievement. The Cardinals will be
quick to line their pockets with my florin’s for their desire for wealth far
exceeds their desire to keep their pride as honorable men, though I have no
doubt they lost their rights to pride many years ago. I, however, may be a
greedy man but I am not one to let myself be manipulated for the promise
of wealth though luckily for me I appear to be the only of my kind in all of
Rome.

Pope Julius II
1503
Today I have taken up the honor of the papal throne after a
predictably short conclave naming me Pope Julius II. I will not dawdle in
my duties as I plan to begin all out war with Venice. Perhaps the other
Cardinals may reject my proposal, however, I needn't worry about these
weak minded men and their opinions. Today I plan to begin my efforts to
regain the entirety of the papal states and I plan to lead the charge when the
time to march finally comes.