Alessandro, on the other hand, exhibited the attributes of his low-born
mother. Physically well-made, he was dark of skin, with dark, curly
hair, thick lips, and close-set Eastern eyes. His tastes were unrefined.
He had none of Ippolito's gentleness and attractiveness, but in
disposition he was morose, passionate, and cruel. His manners were
marked by abruptness and vulgarity. He was no genius, and refused to
receive the lessons of his masters, and set at defiance all who claimed
authority. Alessandro was a shrewd lad all the same, and became
Clement's inseparable companion--no doubt he was his son!

Everybody noticed the mutual affection between "uncle" and "nephew,"
which gave clear indication of a nearer relationship. Clement's word was
Alessandro's law, and, when the cousins fell out, as they did many times
a day, the interference of their uncle brought peace, but for Ippolito
dissatisfaction, as he was usually ruled to be in the wrong. This boyish
rivalry led to more considerable emulation and the proprieties of the
Papal palace were rudely shaken by the quarrels and the struggles of the
cousins.

They were parted and removed each to a remote portion of the palace,
with separate suites of attendants, and their only meetings took place
in the private apartments of the Pope, and rarely. Thus Ippolito and
Alessandro entered upon their teens with no judicious, kindly, or
formative influences around them. It was said that each boy threw in the
other's face the fact of his illegitimacy, which fawning dependants had
revealed to them. Their environment and associates were most
undesirable, and nothing was done to instil and encourage sentiments of
honour, self-control, truthfulness, and charity. Their initiation into
the hypocrisies of spiritual life and ecclesiastical duty produced
distaste and contempt for religious exercises.