He would not rebel against the authority of the Pope, for even Savonarola supposed that prelate to be the successor of Saint Peter; but he would prevent the Pope's nepotism and luxury and worldly spirit,make him once more a true "servant of the servants of God," even when clothed with the insignia of universal authority.

Long ago he had rebuked the nepotism of the Popes, but Pius had forgotten his epigrams.