in the most delicate cloisonné enamel, in translucent colours, on a gilded copper foundation. Though magnificent in its richness, its pure and simple outline is maintained. The design of the filigree enamel work is what maybe termed Venetian Gothic; but the Renaissance influence is strongly in evidence. The blade is superb, being etched and gilded in the finest possible manner with a pure Renaissance ornamentation which we should have ascribed to Hercule de Fideli, even if the signature, Opus Herc, had not been present. The inscriptions upon the blade, beyond the name of the engraver, consist in the monogram of Caesar Borgia, and four abbreviations: Ces. Borg. Car. Valen., meaning, Caesar Borgia, Cardinal Valentin; associated are also the following Latin phrases and quotations: Jacta est alea; Cum nomine Cesaris, amen; Fides prevalet armis; and Bene merent. M. Édouard de Beaumont, in his Fleur des Belles Epées, speaking of this sword, gives an interesting transcription of a letter, dated Naples, 2 Oct. 1773, written by the Abbé Galiani, in whose possession the sword then was, to a Madame d'Epinay. It goes on to say:
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Fig. 651. Sword
Italian, late XVth century
Collection: M. Édouard de Beaumont, Musée Cluny
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Fig. 650. The Pucci sword
North Italian, late XVth century. Now in an English collection
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Fig. 652. Sword
Italian, late XVth century
Collection: Baron de Cosson
"I possess a most curious piece, the sword of César Borgia, Duke of Valentinois, son of the Pope Alexander VI, who had it made specially with emblems referring to his future greatness and his ambition. It is not necessary to tell you how I obtained possession of it; it is enough to say
