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Rh society which the Borgias set themselves to abolish in the dominions of the Church, and the influences which determined their unrelenting policy. It was a pacific mission. The legate went unarmed to try the force of persuasion, and to test the moral authority of the papacy in a district where the idea of the State was quenched in feudal strife, and each man's safety consisted in the terror he was able to inspire. In his first letter, on the day of his arrival at Narni, he announced that he could accomplish nothing without troops, as the demons he had to deal with were not to be frightened with holy water. The presence of a legate was so little heeded that Alviano, the same who afterwards commanded the Venetians when their power was broken at Agnadello, seized a town belonging to the Pope and sacked it almost before his face. Borgia sent for him, and summoned him to keep the peace. Alviano replied that he would gladly help the Pope to subdue his neighbours, but that he would destroy the town rather than give it up. It was soon discovered that the legate was not followed by an army; and things grew worse. The country was without police or law. The inhabitants of Todi, finding that there was no government to protect them, deserted the town in despair. Brigands held unmolested sway, and were only checked by rival bands. At Perugia the legate caused a murderer to be put to death. It was an immense achievement. Murder was