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Customs and Incidents: Cæsar

The signet-ring of Cæsar Borgia was exhibited a few years ago at a meeting of the British Archæological Association by the Rev. C. H. Hartshorne. It is of gold, slightly enamelled, with the date 1503, and round the inside is the motto, 'Fays ceque doys avien que pourra.' A box dropped into the front, having on it 'Borgia,' in letters reversed, round which are the words 'Cor unum una via.' At the back is a slide, within which, it is related, he carried the poison he was in the habit of dropping into the wine of his unsuspecting guests.

Another ring-device of Cæsar Borgia was: 'Aut Cæsar aut nihil.' The following distich was made upon him :- Borgia Cæsar erat factis et nomine Cæsar ; 'Aut nihil aut Cæsar' dixit, utrumque fuit.