Author not traced.
I noted this from an old French book, but the real story must be the earlier one of Boccaccio (1315-1375). Alexander Borgia was Pope, 1492-1503.
I verily believe that, if the knife were put into my hand, I should not have strength and energy enough to stick it into a Dissenter.
Sydney Smith.
Shortly before his death in 1844 he gave this as a singular proof of his declining strength! (See Memoir by his daughter, Lady Holland).
A hundred times when, roving high and low,
I have been harassed with the toil of verse,