Roderigo de Borja y Borja - Pope Alexander VI - breakfast and Matins done - looked from the windows of his papal apartments across the flowering courtyard at yet another fine June day; his Holiness at last alone, ecclesiastical servants withdrawn, morning robing complete. Drawing himself into an upright posture and placing one foot against the other, His Holiness now spread the fingers of his left hand firmly against his cinctured, silken middle and raised his right hand above his head.