The influence of two sister prostitutes, Marozia and Theodora, was founded on their wealth and beauty, their political and amorous intrigues: the most strenuous of their lovers were rewarded with the Roman mitre, and their reign may have suggested to the darker ages the fable of a female pope.

The bastard son, the grandson, and the great-grandson of Marozia, a rare genealogy, were seated in the chair of St.Peter, and it was at the age of nineteen years that the second of these became the head of the Latin church.

His youth and manhood were of a suitable complexion; and the nations of pilgrims could bear testimony to the charges that were urged against him in a Roman synod, and in the presence of Otho the Great.

As John XII.

had renounced the dress and decencies of his profession, the _soldier_ may not perhaps be dishonored by the wine which he drank, the blood that he spilt, the flames that he kindled, or the licentious pursuits of gaming and hunting.