It became a habit of Alessandro’s to stop strangers in the street offering to pray for them. Some welcomed this intervention, others were embarrassed by it, while a few were openly hostile.
On one occasion he insisted Caterina’s servants’ line up so that he could pronounce a blessing over each. To one he prophesized… ‘A faithful husband and a long life,’ to another (the girl who had bathed him), ‘May your womb be fruitful and bring forth many children,’ and to one of Caterina’s footmen, ‘May you know riches beyond measure.’
Caterina was greatly amused by the whole charade as most of her simple-minded servants took the proceeding rather seriously.
‘And what blessing would you pronounce over me?’ the delectable Belinda asked.
‘That would be simple’ said Alessandro as he took her by the h
