CHAPTERIV
ThedukeofCalabriaroutstheFlorentinearmyatPoggibonzi——
DismayinFlorenceonaccountofthedefeat——ProgressofthedukeofCalabria——TheFlorentineswishforpeace——Lorenzode'MedicideterminestogotoNaplestotreatwiththeking——LodovicoSforza，surnamedtheMoor，andhisbrothers，recalledtoMilan——
Changesinthegovernmentofthatcityinconsequence——TheGenoesetakeSerezana——Lorenzode'MediciarrivesatNaples——Peaceconcludedwiththeking——ThepopeandtheVenetiansconsenttothepeace——TheFlorentinesinfearofthedukeofCalabria——
EnterprisesoftheTurks——TheytakeOtranto——TheFlorentinesreconciledwiththepope——Theirambassadorsatthepapalcourt——
Thepope'sreplytotheambassadors——ThekingofNaplesrestorestotheFlorentinesallthefortresseshehadtaken。
Thearmybeingthusreduced，withoutaleader，anddisorderprevailingineverydepartment，thedukeofCalabria，whowaswithhisforcesnearSienna，resolvedtoattackthemimmediately。TheFlorentines，findingtheenemyathand，wereseizedwithasuddenpanic；neithertheirarms，northeirnumbers，inwhichtheyweresuperiortotheiradversaries，northeirposition，whichwasoneofgreatstrength，couldgivethemconfidence；butobservingthedustoccasionedbytheenemy'sapproach，withoutwaitingforasightofthem，theyfledinalldirections，leavingtheirammunition，carriages，andartillerytobetakenbythefoe。Suchcowardiceanddisorderprevailedinthearmiesofthosetimes，thattheturningofahorse'sheadortailwassufficienttodecidethefateofanexpedition。Thisdefeatloadedtheking'stroopswithbooty，andfilledtheFlorentineswithdismay；forthecity，besidesthewar，wasafflictedwithpestilence，whichprevailedsoextensively，thatallwhopossessedvillasfledtothemtoescapedeath。Thisoccasionedthedefeattobeattendedwithgreaterhorror；forthosecitizenswhosepossessionslayintheValdiPesaandtheVald'Elsa，havingretiredtothem，hastenedtoFlorencewithallspeedassoonastheyheardofthedisaster，takingwiththemnotonlytheirchildrenandtheirproperty，buteventheirlaborers；
sothatitseemedasiftheenemywereexpectedeverymomentinthecity。Thosewhowereappointedtothemanagementofthewar，perceivingtheuniversalconsternation，commandedthevictoriousforcesinthePeruginotogiveuptheirenterpriseinthatdirection，andmarchtoopposetheenemyintheVald'Elsa，who，aftertheirvictory，plunderedthecountrywithoutopposition；andalthoughtheFlorentinearmyhadsocloselypressedthecityofPerugiathatitwasexpectedtofallintotheirhandseveryinstant，thepeoplepreferreddefendingtheirownpossessionstoendeavoringtoseizethoseofothers。Thetroops，thuswithdrawnfromthepursuitoftheirgoodfortune，weremarchedtoSanCasciano，acastlewithineightmilesofFlorence；theleadersthinkingtheycouldtakeupnootherpositiontilltherelicsoftheroutedarmywereassembled。Ontheotherhand，theenemybeingundernofurtherrestraintatPerugia，andemboldenedbythedepartureoftheFlorentines，plunderedtoalargeamountinthedistrictsofArezzoandCortona；whilethosewhounderAlfonso，dukeofCalabria，hadbeenvictoriousnearPoggibonzi，tookthetownitself；sackedVicoandCertaldo，andaftertheseconquestsandpillagingsencampedbeforethefortressofColle，whichwasconsideredverystrong；andasthegarrisonwasbraveandfaithfultotheFlorentines，itwashopedtheywouldholdtheenemyatbaytilltherepublicwasabletocollectitsforces。TheFlorentinesbeingatSantoCasciano，andtheenemycontinuingtousetheirutmostexertionsagainstColle，theydeterminedtodrawnearer，thattheinhabitantsmightbemoreresoluteintheirdefense，andtheenemyassailthemlessboldly。WiththisdesigntheyremovedtheircampfromSantoCascianotoSantoGeminiano，aboutfivemilesfromColle，andwithlightcavalryandothersuitableforceswereableeverydaytoannoytheduke'scamp。Allthis，however，wasinsufficienttorelievethepeopleofColle；for，havingconsumedtheirprovisions，theywerecompelledtosurrenderonthethirteenthofNovember，tothegreatgriefoftheFlorentines，andjoyoftheenemy，moreespeciallyoftheSiennese，who，besidestheirhabitualhatredoftheFlorentines，hadaparticularanimosityagainstthepeopleofColle。
Itwasnowthedepthofwinter，andtheweathersounsuitableforwar，thatthepopeandtheking，eitherdesigningtoholdoutahopeofpeace，ormorequietlytoenjoythefruitoftheirvictories，proposedatruceforthreemonthstotheFlorentines，andallowedthemtendaystoconsiderthereply。Theofferwaseagerlyaccepted；butaswoundsarewellknowntobemorepainfulafterthebloodcoolsthanwhentheywerefirstreceived，thisbriefreposeawakenedtheFlorentinestoaconsciousnessofthemiseriestheyhadendured；andthecitizensopenlylaidtheblameuponeachother，pointingouttheerrorscommittedinthemanagementofthewar，theexpensesuselesslyincurred，andthetaxesunjustlyimposed。Thesematterswereboldlydiscussed，notonlyinprivatecircles，butinthepubliccouncils；
andoneindividualevenventuredtoturntoLorenzode'Medici，andsay，"Thecityisexhausted，andcanendurenomorewar；itisthereforenecessarytothinkofpeace。"Lorenzowashimselfawareofthenecessity，andassembledthefriendsinwhosewisdomandfidelityhehadthegreatestconfidence，whenitwasatonceconcluded，thatastheVenetianswerelukewarmandunfaithful，andthedukeinthepowerofhisguardians，andinvolvedindomesticdifficulties，itwouldbedesirablebysomenewalliancetogiveabetterturntotheiraffairs。
Theywereindoubtwhethertoapplytothekingortothepope；buthavingexaminedthequestioninallsides，theypreferredthefriendshipofthekingasmoresuitableandsecure；fortheshortreignsofthepontiffs，thechangesensuinguponeachsuccession，thedisregardshownbytheirchurchtowardtemporalprinces，andthestillgreaterwantofrespectforthemexhibitedinherdeterminations，renderitimpossibleforasecularprincetotrustapontiff，orsafelytosharehisfortune；foranadherentofthepopewillhaveacompanioninvictory，butindefeatmuststandalone，whilethepontiffissustainedbyhisspiritualpowerandinfluence。Havingthereforedecidedthattheking'sfriendshipwouldbeofthegreatestutilitytothem，theythoughtitwouldbemosteasilyandcertainlyobtainedbyLorenzo'spresence；forinproportiontotheconfidencetheyevincedtowardhim，thegreatertheyimaginedwouldbetheprobabilityofremovinghisimpressionsofpastenmities。LorenzohavingresolvedtogotoNaples，recommendedthecityandgovernmenttothecareofTommasoSoderini，whowasatthattimeGonfalonierofJustice。HeleftFlorenceatthebeginningofDecember，andhavingarrivedatPisa，wrotetothegovernmenttoacquaintthemwiththecauseofhisdeparture。TheSignory，todohimhonor，andenablehimthemoreeffectuallytotreatwiththeking，appointedhimambassadorfromtheFlorentinepeople，andendowedhimwithfullauthoritytomakesucharrangementsashethoughtmostusefulfortherepublic。
AtthistimeRobertodaSanSeverino，withLodovicoandAscanioSforzatheirelderbrotherbeingdeadagainattackedMilan，inordertorecoverthegovernment。HavingtakenTortona，andthecityandthewholestatebeinginarms，theduchessBonawasadvisedtorestoretheSforzeschi，andtoputastoptocivilcontentionsbyadmittingthemtothegovernment。ThepersonwhogavethisadvicewasAntonioTassino，ofFerrara，amanofloworigin，who，comingtoMilan，fellintothehandsofthedukeGaleazzo，andwasgivenbyhimtohisduchessforhervalet。He，eitherfromhispersonalattractions，orsomesecretinfluence，aftertheduke'sdeathattainedsuchinfluenceovertheduchess，thathegovernedthestatealmostathiswill。ThisgreatlydispleasedtheministerCecco，whomprudenceandlongexperiencehadrenderedinvaluable；andwho，totheutmostofhispower，endeavoredtodiminishtheauthorityofTassinowiththeduchessandothermembersofthegovernment。Thelatter，awareofthis，toavengehimselffortheinjury，andsecuredefendersagainstCecco，advisedtheduchesstorecalltheSforzeschi，whichshedid，withoutcommunicatingherdesigntotheminister，who，whenitwasdone，saidtoher，"Youhavetakenastepwhichwilldeprivemeofmylife，andyouofthegovernment。"Thisshortlyafterwardtookplace；
forCeccowasputtodeathbyLodovico，andTassino，beingexpelledfromthedukedom，theduchesswassoenragedthatsheleftMilan，andgaveupthecareofhersontoLodovico，who，becomingsolegovernorofthedukedom，caused，aswillbehereafterseen，theruinofItaly。
Lorenzode'MedicihadsetoutforNaples，andthetrucebetweenthepartieswasinforce，when，quiteunexpectedly，LodovicoFregoso，beingincorrespondencewithsomepersonsofSerezana，enteredtheplacebystealth，tookpossessionofitwithanarmedforce，andimprisonedtheFlorentinegovernor。ThisgreatlyoffendedtheSignory，fortheythoughtthewholehadbeenconcertedwiththeconnivanceofKingFerrando。TheycomplainedtothedukeofCalabria，whowaswiththearmyatSienna，ofabreachofthetruce；andheendeavoredtoprove，bylettersandembassies，thatithadoccurredwithouteitherhisownorhisfather'sknowledge。TheFlorentines，however，foundthemselvesinaveryawkwardpredicament，beingdestituteofmoney，theheadoftherepublicinthepoweroftheking，themselvesengagedinalong-standingwarwiththelatterandthepope，inanewonewiththeGenoese，andentirelywithoutfriends；fortheyhadnoconfidenceintheVenetians，andonaccountofitschangeableandunsettledstatetheywereratherapprehensiveofMilan。Theyhadthusonlyonehope，andthatdependeduponLorenzo'ssuccesswiththeking。
LorenzoarrivedatNaplesbysea，andwasmosthonorablyreceived，notonlybyFerrando，butbythewholecity，hiscominghavingexcitedthegreatestexpectation；foritbeinggenerallyunderstoodthatthewarwasundertakenforthesolepurposeofeffectinghisdestruction，thepowerofhisenemiesinvestedhisnamewithadditionallustre。Beingadmittedtotheking'spresence，hespokewithsomuchproprietyupontheaffairsofItaly，thedispositionofherprincesandpeople，hishopesfrompeace，hisfearsoftheresultsofwar，thatFerrandowasmoreastonishedatthegreatnessofhismind，thepromptitudeofhisgenius，hisgravityandwisdom，thanhehadpreviouslybeenathispower。Heconsequentlytreatedhimwithredoubledhonor，andbegantofeelcompelledrathertopartwithhimasafriend，thandetainhimasanenemy。However，undervariouspretextshekeptLorenzofromDecembertillMarch，notonlytogainthemostperfectknowledgeofhisownviews，butofthoseofhiscity；forhewasnotwithoutenemies，whowouldhavewishedthekingtodetainandtreathiminthesamemannerasJacopoPiccinino；and，withtheostensibleviewofsympathizingforhim，pointedoutallthatwould，orratherthattheywishedshould，resultfromsuchacourse；atthesametimeopposinginthecouncileverypropositionatalllikelytofavorhim。Bysuchmeansasthesetheopiniongainedground，thatifheweredetainedatNaplesmuchlonger，thegovernmentofFlorencewouldbechanged。Thiscausedthekingtopostponetheirseparationmorethanhewouldhaveotherwisedone，toseeifanydisturbancewerelikelytoarise。Butfindingeverythinggoquietlyon，FerrandoallowedhimtodepartonthesixthofMarch，1479，having，witheverykindofattentionandtokenofregard，endeavoredtogainhisaffection，andformedwithhimaperpetualalliancefortheirmutualdefense。LorenzoreturnedtoFlorence，anduponpresentinghimselfbeforethecitizens，theimpressionshehadcreatedinthepopularmindsurroundedhimwithahaloofmajestybrighterthanbefore。Hewasreceivedwithallthejoymeritedbyhisextraordinaryqualitiesandrecentservices，inhavingexposedhisownlifetothemostimminentperil，inordertorestorepeacetohiscountry。Twodaysafterhisreturn，thetreatybetweentherepublicofFlorenceandtheking，bywhicheachpartybounditselftodefendtheother'sterritories，waspublished。TheplacestakenfromtheFlorentinesduringthewarweretobetakenupatthediscretionoftheking；thePazziconfinedinthetowerofVolterraweretobesetatliberty，andacertainsumofmoney，foralimitedperiod，wastobepaidtothedukeofCalabria。
Assoonasthispeacewaspubliclyknown，thepopeandtheVenetiansweretransportedwithrage；thepopethoughthimselfneglectedbytheking；theVenetiansentertainedsimilarideaswithregardtotheFlorentines，andcomplainedthat，havingbeencompanionsinthewar，theywerenotallowedtoparticipateinthepeace。Reportsofthisdescriptionbeingspreadabroad，andreceivedwithentirecredenceatFlorence，causedageneralfearthatthepeacethusmadewouldgiverisetogreaterwars；andthereforetheleadingmembersofthegovernmentdeterminedtoconfinetheconsiderationofthemostimportantaffairstoasmallernumber，andformedacouncilofseventycitizens，inwhomtheprincipalauthoritywasinvested。Thisnewregulationcalmedthemindsofthosedesirousofchange，byconvincingthemofthefutilityoftheirefforts。Toestablishtheirauthority，theyinthefirstplaceratifiedthetreatyofpeacewiththeking，andsentasambassadorstothepopeAntonioRidolfiandPieroNasi。
But，notwithstandingthepeace，Alfonso，dukeofCalabria，stillremainedatSiennawithhisforces，pretendingtobedetainedbydiscordsamongthecitizens，which，hesaid，hadrisensohigh，thatwhileheresidedoutsidethecitytheyhadcompelledhimtoenterandassumetheofficeofarbitratorbetweenthem。Hetookoccasiontodrawlargesumsofmoneyfromthewealthiestcitizensbywayoffines，imprisonedmany，banishedothers，andputsometodeath；hethusbecamesuspected，notonlybytheSiennesebutbytheFlorentines，ofadesigntousurpthesovereigntyofSienna；norwasanyremedythenavailable，fortherepublichadformedanewalliancewiththeking，andwereatenmitywiththepopeandtheVenetians。ThissuspicionwasentertainednotonlybythegreatbodyoftheFlorentinepeople，whoweresubtleinterpretersofappearances，butbytheprincipalmembersofthegovernment；anditwasagreed，onallhands，thatthecityneverwasinsomuchdangeroflosingherliberty。ButGod，whoinsimilarextremitieshasalwaysbeenherpreserver，causedanunhoped-
foreventtotakeplace，whichgavethepope，theking，andtheVenetiansothermatterstothinkofthanthoseinTuscany。
TheTurkishemperor，MahometII。hadgonewithalargearmytothesiegeofRhodes，andcontinueditforseveralmonths；butthoughhisforceswerenumerous，andhiscourageindomitable，hefoundthemmorethanequalledbythoseofthebesieged，whoresistedhisattackwithsuchobstinatevalor，thathewasatlastcompelledtoretireindisgrace。HavingleftRhodes，partofhisarmy，underthePashaAchmet，approachedVelona，and，eitherfromobservingthefacilityoftheenterprise，orinobediencetohissovereign'scommands，coastingalongtheItalianshores，hesuddenlylandedfourthousandsoldiers，andattackedthecityofOtranto，whichheeasilytook，plundered，andputalltheinhabitantstothesword。Hethenfortifiedthecityandport，andhavingassembledalargebodyofcavalry，pillagedthesurroundingcountry。Theking，learningthis，andawareoftheredoubtablecharacterofhisassailant，immediatelysentmessengerstoallthesurroundingpowers，torequestassistanceagainstthecommonenemy，andorderedtheimmediatereturnofthedukeofCalabriawiththeforcesatSienna。
Thisattack，howeveritmightannoythedukeandtherestofItaly，occasionedtheutmostjoyatFlorenceandSienna；thelatterthinkingithadrecovereditsliberty，andtheformerthatshehadescapedastormwhichthreatenedherwithdestruction。Theseimpressions，whichwerenotunknowntotheduke，increasedtheregrethefeltathisdeparturefromSienna；andheaccusedfortuneofhaving，byanunexpectedandunaccountableaccident，deprivedhimofthesovereigntyofTuscany。Thesamecircumstancechangedthedispositionofthepope；
foralthoughhehadpreviouslyrefusedtoreceiveanyambassadorfromFlorence，hewasnowsomollifiedastobeanxioustolistentoanyoverturesofpeace；anditwasintimatedtotheFlorentines，thatiftheywouldcondescendtoaskthepope'spardon，theywouldbesureofobtainingit。Thinkingitadvisabletoseizetheopportunity，theysenttwelveambassadorstothepontiff，who，ontheirarrival，detainedthemunderdifferentpretextsbeforehewouldadmitthemtoanaudience。However，termswereatlengthsettled，andwhatshouldbecontributedbyeachinpeaceorwar。Themessengerswerethenadmittedtothefeetofthepontiff，who，withtheutmostpomp，receivedtheminthemidstofhiscardinals。Theyapologizedforpastoccurrences；
firstshowingtheyhadbeencompelledbynecessity，thenblamingthemalignityofothers，ortherageofthepopulace，andtheirjustindignation，andenlargingontheunfortunateconditionofthosewhoarecompelledeithertofightordie；saying，thatsinceeveryextremityisenduredinordertoavoiddeath，theyhadsufferedwar，interdicts，andotherinconveniences，broughtuponthembyrecentevents，thattheirrepublicmightescapeslavery，whichisthedeathoffreecities。However，ifintheirnecessitiestheyhadcommittedanyoffense，theyweredesiroustomakeatonement，andtrustedinhisclemency，who，aftertheexampleoftheblessedRedeemer，wouldreceivethemintohiscompassionatearms。
Thepope'sreplywasindignantandhaughty。Afterreiteratingalltheoffensesagainstthechurchduringthelatetransactions，hesaidthat，tocomplywiththepreceptsofGod，hewouldgrantthepardontheyasked，butwouldhavethemunderstand，thatitwastheirdutytoobey；andthatuponthenextinstanceoftheirdisobedience，theywouldinevitablyforfeit，andthatmostdeservedly，thelibertywhichtheyhadjustbeenuponthepointoflosing；forthosemeritfreedomwhoexercisethemselvesingoodworksandavoidevil；thatliberty，improperlyused，injuresitselfandothers；thattothinklittleofGod，andlessofhischurch，isnotthepartofafreeman，butafool，andonedisposedtoevilratherthangood，andtoeffectwhosecorrectionisthedutynotonlyofprincesbutofeveryChristian；sothatinrespectoftherecentevents，theyhadonlythemselvestoblame，who，bytheirevildeeds，hadgivenrisetothewar，andinflameditbystillworseactions，ithavingbeenterminatedbythekindnessofothersratherthanbyanymeritoftheirown。Theformulaofagreementandbenedictionwasthenread；and，inadditiontowhathadalreadybeenconsideredandagreeduponbetweentheparties，thepopesaid，thatiftheFlorentineswishedtoenjoythefruitofhisforgiveness，theymustmaintainfifteengalleys，armed，andequipped，attheirownexpense，aslongastheTurksshouldmakewaruponthekingdomofNaples。Theambassadorscomplainedmuchofthisburdeninadditiontothearrangementalreadymade，butwereunabletoobtainanyalleviation。However，aftertheirreturntoFlorence，theSignorysent，asambassadortothepope，GuidantonioVespucci，whohadrecentlyreturnedfromFrance，andwhobyhisprudencebroughteverythingtoanamicableconclusion，obtainedmanyfavorsfromthepontiff，whichwereconsideredaspresagesofacloserreconciliation。
Havingsettledtheiraffairswiththepope，Siennabeingfree，themselvesreleasedfromthefearoftheking，bythedepartureofthedukeofCalabriafromTuscany，andthewarwiththeTurksstillcontinuing，theFlorentinespressedthekingtorestoretheirfortresses，whichthedukeofCalabria，uponquittingthecountry，hadleftinthehandsoftheSiennese。Ferrando，apprehensivethatifherefused，theywouldwithdrawfromthealliancewithhim，andbynewwarswiththeSiennesedeprivehimoftheassistancehehopedtoobtainfromthepopeandotherItalianpowers，consentedthattheyshouldbegivenup，andbynewfavorsendeavoredtoattachtheFlorentinestohisinterests。Itisthusevident，thatforceandnecessity，notdeedsandobligations，induceprincestokeepfaith。
Thecastlesbeingrestored，andthisnewallianceestablished，Lorenzode'Medicirecoveredthereputationwhichfirstthewarandthenthepeace，whentheking'sdesignsweredoubtful，haddeprivedhimof；foratthisperiodtherewasnolackofthosewhoopenlyslanderedhimwithhavingsoldhiscountrytosavehimself，andsaid，thatinwartheyhadlosttheirterritories，andinpeacetheirliberty。Butthefortressesbeingrecovered，anhonorabletreatyratifiedwiththeking，andthecityrestoredtoherformerinfluence，thespiritofpublicdiscourseentirelychangedinFlorence，aplacegreatlyaddictedtogossip，andinwhichactionsarejudgedbythesuccessattendingthem，ratherthanbytheintelligenceemployedintheirdirection；therefore，thecitizenspraisedLorenzoextravagantly，declaringthatbyhisprudencehehadrecoveredinpeace，whatunfavorablecircumstanceshadtakenfromtheminwar，andthatbyhisdiscretionandjudgmenthehaddonemorethantheenemywithalltheforceoftheirarms。
CHAPTERV
NewoccasionsofwarinItaly——DifferencesbetweenthemarquisofFerrara，andtheVenetians——ThekingofNaplesandtheFlorentinesattackthepapalstates——Thepope'sdefensivearrangements——TheNeapolitanarmyroutedbythepapalforces——ProgressoftheVenetiansagainstthemarquisofFerrara——Thepopemakespeace，andentersintoaleagueagainsttheVenetians——OperationsoftheLeagueagainsttheVenetians——TheVenetiansroutedatBondeno——
Theirlosses——DisunionamongtheLeague——LodovicoSforzamakespeacewiththeVenetians——Ratifiedbytheotherparties。
TheinvasionoftheTurkshaddeferredthewarwhichwasabouttobreakforthfromtheangerofthepopeandtheVenetiansatthepeacebetweentheFlorentinesandtheking。Butasthebeginningofthatinvasionwasunexpectedandbeneficial，itsconclusionwasequallyunlookedforandinjurious；forMahometdyingsuddenly，dissensionsaroseamonghissons，andtheforceswhichwereinPugliabeingabandonedbytheircommander，surrenderedOtrantototheking。ThefearswhichrestrainedthepopeandtheVenetiansbeingthusremoved，everyonebecameapprehensiveofnewtroubles。Ontheonehand，wastheleagueofthepopeandtheVenetians，andwiththemtheGenoese，Siennese，andotherminorpowers；ontheother，theFlorentines，theking，andtheduke，withwhomweretheBologneseandmanyprinces。TheVenetianswishedtobecomelordsofFerrara，andthoughttheywerejustifiedbycircumstancesinmakingtheattempt，andhopingforafavorableresult。Theirdifferencesarosethus:themarquisofFerraraaffirmedhewasundernoobligationtotakesaltfromtheVenetians，ortoadmittheirgovernor；thetermsofconventionbetweenthemdeclaring，thatafterseventyyears，thecitywastobefreefrombothimpositions。TheVenetiansreplied，thatsolongasheheldthePolesine，hewasboundtoreceivetheirsaltandtheirgovernor。Themarquisrefusinghisconsent，theVenetiansconsideredthemselvesjustifiedintakingarms，andthatthepresentmomentofferedasuitableopportunity；forthepopewasindignantagainsttheFlorentinesandtheking；andtoattachthepopestillfurther，theCountGirolamo，whowasthenatVenice，wasreceivedwithallpossiblerespect；firstadmittedtotheprivilegesofacitizen，andthenraisedtotherankofasenator，thehighestdistinctionstheVenetiansenatecanconfer。Toprepareforthewar，theyleviednewtaxes，andappointedtothecommandoftheforces，RobertodaSanSeverino，whobeingoffendedwithLodovico，governorofMilan，fledtoTortona，whence，afteroccasioningsomedisturbances，hewenttoGenoa，andwhilethere，wassentforbytheVenetians，andplacedattheheadoftheirtroops。
Thesecircumstancesbecomingknowntotheoppositeleague，induceditalsotoprovideforwar。ThedukeofMilanappointedashisgeneral，Federigod'Urbino；theFlorentinesengagedCostanzo，lordofPesaro；
andtosoundthedispositionofthepope，andknowwhethertheVenetiansmadewaragainstFerrarawithhisconsentornot，KingFerrandosentAlfonso，dukeofCalabria，withhisarmyacrosstheTronto，andaskedthepontiff'spermissiontopassintoLombardytoassistthemarquis，whichwasrefusedinthemostperemptorymanner。
TheFlorentinesandtheking，nolongerdoubtfulaboutthepope'sintentions，determinedtoharasshim，andthuseithercompelhimtotakepartwiththem，orthrowsuchobstaclesinhisway，aswouldpreventhimfromhelpingtheVenetians，whohadalreadytakenthefield，attackedthemarquis，overranhisterritory，andencampedbeforeFigaruolo，afortressofthegreatestimportance。InpursuanceofthedesignoftheFlorentinesandtheking，thedukeofCalabria，bytheassistanceoftheColonnafamilytheOrsinihadjoinedthepope，plunderedthecountryaboutRomeandcommittedgreatdevastation；whiletheFlorentines，withNiccoloVitelli，besiegedandtookCittadiCastello，expellingLorenzoVitelli，whohelditforthepope，andplacingNiccoloinitasprince。
Thepopenowfoundhimselfinverygreatstraits；forthecityofRomewasdisturbedbyfactionsandthecountrycoveredwithenemies。Butactingwithcourageandresolution，heappointedRobertodaRiminototakethecommandofhisforces；andhavingsentforhimtoRome，wherehistroopswereassembled，toldhimhowgreatwouldbethehonor，ifhecoulddeliverthechurchfromtheking'sforces，andthetroublesinwhichitwasinvolved；howgreatlyindebted，notonlyhimself，butallhissuccessorswouldbe，and，thatnotmankindmerely，butGodhimselfwouldbeunderobligationstohim。ThemagnificentRoberto，havingconsideredtheforcesandpreparationsalreadymade，advisedthepopetoraiseasnumerousabodyofinfantryaspossible，whichwasdonewithoutdelay。ThedukeofCalabriawasathand，andconstantlyharassedthecountryuptotheverygatesofRome，whichsorousedtheindignationofthecitizens，thatmanyofferedtheirassistancetoRoberto，andallwerethankfullyreceived。Theduke，hearingofthesepreparations，withdrewashortdistancefromthecity，thatinthebeliefoffindinghimgone，themagnificentRobertowouldnotpursuehim，andalsoinexpectationofhisbrotherFederigo，whomtheirfatherhadsenttohimwithadditionalforces。ButRoberto，findinghimselfnearlyequaltothedukeincavalry，andsuperiorininfantry，marchedboldlyoutofRomeandtookapositionwithintwomilesoftheenemy。Theduke，seeinghisadversariescloseuponhim，foundhemusteitherfightordisgracefullyretire。Toavoidaretreatunbecomingaking'sson，heresolvedtofacetheenemy；andabattleensuedwhichcontinuedfrommorningtillmidday。Inthisengagement，greatervalorwasexhibitedonbothsidesthanhadbeenshowninanyotherduringthelastfiftyyears，upwardofathousanddeadbeingleftuponthefield。Thetroopsofthechurchwereatlengthvictorious，forhernumerousinfantrysoannoyedtheducalcavalry，thattheywerecompelledtoretreat，andAlfonsohimselfwouldhavefallenintothehandsoftheenemy，hadhenotbeenrescuedbyabodyofTurks，whoremainedatOtranto，andwereatthattimeinhisservice。ThelordofRimino，afterthisvictory，returnedtriumphantlytoRome，butdidnotlongenjoythefruitofhisvalor；forhaving，duringtheheatoftheengagement，takenacopiousdraughtofwater，hewasseizedwithaflux，ofwhichheveryshortlyafterwarddied。
Thepopecausedhisfuneraltobeconductedwithgreatpomp，andinafewdays，senttheCountGirolamotowardCittadiCastellotorestoreittoLorenzo，andalsoendeavortogainRimino，whichbeingbyRoberto'sdeathlefttothecareofhiswidowandasonwhowasquiteaboy，hisholinessthoughtmightbeeasilywon；andthiscertainlywouldhavebeenthecase，iftheladyhadnotbeendefendedbytheFlorentines，whoopposedhimsoeffectually，astopreventhissuccessagainstbothCastelloandRimino。
WhilethesethingswereinprogressatRomeandinRomagna，theVenetianstookpossessionofFigaruoloandcrossedthePowiththeirforces。ThecampofthedukeofMilanandthemarquiswasindisorder；
forthecountofUrbinohavingfallenill，wascarriedtoBolognaforhisrecovery，butdied。Thusthemarquis'saffairswereunfortunatelysituated，whilethoseoftheVenetiansgavethemincreasinghopesofoccupyingFerrara。TheFlorentinesandthekingofNaplesusedtheirutmostendeavorstogainthepopetotheirviews；andnothavingsucceededbyforce，theythreatenedhimwiththecouncil，whichhadalreadybeensummonedbytheemperortoassembleatBasle；andbymeansoftheimperialambassadors，andtheco-operationoftheleadingcardinals，whoweredesirousofpeace，thepopewascompelledtoturnhisattentiontowardeffectingthepacificationofItaly。Withthisview，attheinstigationofhisfears，andwiththeconvictionthattheaggrandizementoftheVenetianswouldbetheruinofthechurchandofItaly，heendeavoredtomakepeacewiththeLeague，andsenthisnunciostoNaples，whereatreatywasconcludedforfiveyears，betweenthepope，theking，thedukeofMilan，andtheFlorentines，withanopeningfortheVenetianstojointhemiftheythoughtproper。
Whenthiswasaccomplished，thepopeintimatedtotheVenetians，thattheymustdesistfromwaragainstFerrara。Theyrefusedtocomply，andmadepreparationstoprosecutetheirdesignwithgreatervigorthantheyhadhithertodone；andhavingroutedtheforcesofthedukeandthemarquisatArgenta，theyapproachedFerrarasocloselyastopitchtheirtentsinthemarquis'spark。
TheLeaguefoundtheymustnolongerdelayrenderinghimefficientassistance，andorderedthedukeofCalabriatomarchtoFerrarawithhisforcesandthoseofthepope，theFlorentinetroopsalsomovinginthesamedirection。Inordertodirecttheoperationsofthewarwithgreaterefficiency，theLeagueassembledadietatCremona，whichwasattendedbythepope'slegate，theCountGirolamo，thedukeofCalabria，theSignorLodovicoSforza，andLorenzode'Medici，withmanyotherItalianprinces；andwhenthemeasurestobeadoptedwerefullydiscussed，havingdecidedthatthebestwayofrelievingFerrarawouldbetoeffectadivisionoftheenemy'sforces，theLeaguedesiredLodovicotoattacktheVenetiansonthesideofMilan，butthishedeclined，forfearofbringingawarupontheduke'sterritories，whichitwouldbedifficulttoquell。ItwasthereforeresolvedtoproceedwiththeunitedforcesoftheLeaguetoFerrara，andhavingassembledfourthousandcavalryandeightthousandinfantry，theywentinpursuitoftheVenetians，whoseforceamountedtotwothousandtwohundredmenatarms，andsixthousandfoot。TheyfirstattackedtheVenetianflotilla，thenlyingupontheriverPo，whichtheyroutedwiththelossofabovetwohundredvessels，andtookprisonerAntonioJustiniano，thepurveyorofthefleet。TheVenetians，findingallItalyunitedagainstthem，endeavoredtosupporttheirreputationbyengagingintheirservicethedukeofLorraine，whojoinedthemwithtwohundredmenatarms:andhavingsufferedsogreatadestructionoftheirfleet，theysenthim，withpartoftheirarmy，tokeeptheirenemiesatbay，andRobertodaSanSeverinotocrosstheAddawiththeremainder，andproceedtoMilan，wheretheyweretoraisethecryof"ThedukeandtheLadyBona，"hismother；hopingbythismeanstogiveanewaspecttoaffairsthere，believingthatLodovicoandhisgovernmentweregenerallyunpopular。Thisattackatfirstcreatedgreatconsternation，androusedthecitizensinarms；
buteventuallyproducedconsequencesunfavorabletothedesignsoftheVenetians；forLodovicowasnowdesiroustoundertakewhathehadrefusedtodoattheentreatyofhisallies。LeavingthemarquisofFerraratothedefenseofhisownterritories，he，withfourthousandhorseandtwothousandfoot，andjoinedbythedukeofCalabriawithtwelvethousandhorseandfivethousandfoot，enteredtheterritoryofBergamo，thenBrescia，nextthatofVerona，and，indefianceoftheVenetians，plunderedthewholecountry；foritwaswiththegreatestdifficultythatRobertoandhisforcescouldsavethecitiesthemselves。Inthemeantime，themarquisofFerrarahadrecoveredagreatpartofhisterritories；forthedukeofLorraine，bywhomhewasattacked，havingonlyathiscommandtwothousandhorseandonethousandfoot，couldnotwithstandhim。Hence，duringthewholeof1483，theaffairsoftheLeaguewereprosperous。
Thewinterhavingpassedquietlyover，thearmiesagaintookthefield。Toproducethegreaterimpressionupontheenemy，theLeagueunitedtheirwholeforce，andwouldeasilyhavedeprivedtheVenetiansofalltheypossessedinLombardy，ifthewarhadbeenconductedinthesamemannerasduringtheprecedingyear；forbythedepartureofthedukeofLorraine，whosetermofservicehadexpired，theywerereducedtosixthousandhorseandfivethousandfoot，whiletheallieshadthirteenthousandhorseandfivethousandfootattheirdisposal。
But，asisoftenthecasewhereseveralofequalauthorityarejoinedincommand，theirwantofunitydecidedthevictorytotheirenemies。
Federigo，marquisofMantua，whoseinfluencekeptthedukeofCalabriaandLodovicoSforzawithinbounds，beingdead，differencesarosebetweenthemwhichsoonbecamejealousies。GiovanGaleazzo，dukeofMilan，wasnowofanagetotakethegovernmentonhimself，andhadmarriedthedaughterofthedukeofCalabria，whowishedhisson-in-
lawtoexercisethegovernmentandnotLodovico；thelatter，beingawareoftheduke'sdesign，studiedtopreventhimfromeffectingit。
ThepositionofLodovicobeingknowntotheVenetians，theythoughttheycouldmakeitavailablefortheirowninterests；andhoped，astheyhadoftenbeforedone，torecoverinpeacealltheyhadlostbywar；andhavingsecretlyenteredintotreatywithLodovico，thetermswereconcludedinAugust，1484。Whenthisbecameknowntotherestoftheallies，theyweregreatlydissatisfied，principallybecausetheyfoundthattheplaceswonfromtheVenetiansweretoberestored；thattheywereallowedtokeepRovigoandthePolesine，whichtheyhadtakenfromthemarquisofFerrara，andbesidesthisretainallthepre-eminenceandauthorityoverFerraraitselfwhichtheyhadformerlypossessed。Thusitwasevidenttoeveryone，theyhadbeenengagedinawarwhichhadcostvastsumsofmoney，duringtheprogressofwhichtheyhadacquiredhonor，andwhichwasconcludedwithdisgrace；fortheplaceswrestedfromtheenemywererestoredwithoutthemselvesrecoveringthosetheyhadlost。Theywere，however，compelledtoratifythetreaty，onaccountoftheunsatisfactorystateoftheirfinances，andbecausethefaultsandambitionofothershadrenderedthemunwillingtoputtheirfortunestofurtherproof。
CHAPTERVI
Affairsofthepope——HeisreconciledtoNiccoloVitelli——DiscordsbetweentheColonnesiandtheOrsini——Variousevents——ThewarofSerezana——Genoaoccupiedbyherarchbishop——DeathofSixtusIV——
InnocentVIII。elected——AgostinoFregosogivesSerezanatothebankofSt。Giorgio——AccountofthebankofSt。Giorgio——WarwiththeGenoeseforSerezana——StratagemoftheFlorentinestoattackPietraSanta——DifficultiesandfinalsurrenderofPietraSanta——
TheLuccheselayclaimtoPietraSanta——ThecityofL'AquilarevoltsagainstthekingofNaples——Warbetweenhimandthepope——
TheFlorentinestaketheking'sparty——Peacebetweenthepopeandtheking。
DuringtheseeventsinLombardy，thepopesentLorenzotoinvestCittadiCastello，forthepurposeofexpellingNiccoloVitelli，theplacehavingbeenabandonedtohimbytheLeague，forthepurposeofinducingthepontifftojointhem。Duringthesiege，Niccolo'stroopswereledoutagainstthepapalforcesandroutedthem。UponthisthepoperecalledtheCountGirolamofromLombardywithordersfirsttorecruithisarmyatRome，andthenproceedagainstCittadiCastello。
Butthinkingafterward，thatitwouldbebettertoobtainNiccoloVitelloashisfriendthantorenewhostilitieswithhim，anarrangementwasenteredintobywhichthelatterretainedCittadiCastello，andthepopepacifiedLorenzoaswellashecould。Hewasinducedtoboththesemeasuresratherbyhisapprehensionoffreshtroublesthanbyhisloveofpeace，forheperceiveddissensionsarisingbetweentheColonessiandtheOrsini。
InthewarbetweenthekingofNaplesandthepope，theformerhadtakenthedistrictofTagliacozzofromtheOrsini，andgivenittotheColonnesi，whohadespousedhiscause。Upontheestablishmentofpeace，theOrsinidemandeditsrestorationbyvirtueofthetreaty。
ThepopehadfrequentlyintimatedtotheColonnesithatitoughttoberestored；butthey，insteadofcomplyingwiththeentreatiesoftheOrsini，orbeinginfluencedbythepope'sthreats，renewedhostilitiesagainsttheformer。Uponthisthepontiff，unabletoenduretheirinsolence，unitedhisownforceswiththoseoftheOrsini，plunderedthehousestheypossessedinRome，slewormadeprisonersallwhodefendedthem，andseizedmostoftheirfortresses。Sothatwhenthesetroubleswerecomposed，itwasratherbythecompletesubjugationofonepartythanfromanydesireforpeaceintheother。
NorweretheaffairsofGenoaorofTuscanyinrepose，fortheFlorentineskepttheCountAntoniodaMarcianoonthebordersofSerezana；andwhilethewarcontinuedinLombardy，annoyedthepeopleofSerezanabyinroadsandlightskirmishes。BattistinoFregoso，dogeofGenoa，trustingtoPagoloFregoso，thearchbishop，wastakenprisoner，withhiswifeandchildren，bythelatter，whoassumedthesovereigntyofthecity。TheVenetianfleethadattackedthekingdomofNaples，takenGallipoli，andharassedtheneighboringplaces。ButuponthepeaceofLombardy，alltumultswerehushedexceptthoseofTuscanyandRome；forthepopediedinfivedaysafteritsdeclaration，eitherinthenaturalcourseofthings，orbecausehisgriefforpeace，towhichhewasalwaysopposed，occasionedhisend。
Uponthedeceaseofthepontiff，Romewasimmediatelyinarms。TheCountGirolamowithdrewhisforcesintothecastle；andtheOrsinifearedtheColonnesiwouldavengetheinjuriestheyhadrecentlysustained。TheColonnesidemandedtherestitutionoftheirhousesandcastles，sothatinafewdaysrobberies，fires，andmurdersprevailedinseveralpartsofthecity。Thecardinalsentreatedthecounttogivethecastleintothehandsofthecollege，withdrawhistroops，anddeliverRomefromthefearofhisforces，andhe，bywayofingratiatinghimselfwiththefuturepontiffobeyed，andretiredtoImola。Thecardinals，beingthusdivestedoftheirfears，andthebaronshopelessofassistanceintheirquarrels，proceededtocreateanewpontiff，andaftersomediscussion，GiovanniBatistaCibo，aGenoese，cardinalofMalfetta，waselected，andtookthenameofInnocentVIII。Bythemildnessofhisdispositionforhewaspeaceableandhumanehecausedacessationofhostilities，andforthepresentrestoredpeacetoRome。
TheFlorentines，afterthepacificationofLombardy，couldnotremainquiet；foritappeareddisgracefulthataprivategentlemanshoulddeprivethemofthefortressofSerezana；andasitwasallowedbytheconditionsofpeace，notonlytodemandlostplaces，buttomakewaruponanywhoshouldimpedetheirrestoration，theyimmediatelyprovidedmenandmoneytoundertakeitsrecovery。Uponthis，AgostinoFregoso，whohadseizedSerezana，beingunabletodefendit，gavethefortresstotheBankofSt。Giorgio。AsweshallhavefrequentoccasiontospeakofSt。GiorgioandtheGenoese，itwillnotbeimproper，sinceGenoaisoneoftheprincipalcitiesofItaly，togivesomeaccountoftheregulationsandusagesprevailingthere。WhentheGenoesehadmadepeacewiththeVenetians，afterthegreatwar，manyyearsago，therepublic，beingunabletosatisfytheclaimsofthosewhohadadvancedlargesumsofmoneyforitsuse，concededtothemtherevenueoftheDoganoorcustomhouse，sothateachcreditorshouldparticipateinthereceiptsinproportiontohisclaim，untilthewholeamountshouldbeliquidated，andasasuitableplacefortheirassembling，thepalaceovertheDoganowasassignedfortheiruse。
Thesecreditorsestablishedaformofgovernmentamongthemselves，appointingacouncilofonehundredpersonsforthedirectionoftheiraffairs，andacommitteeofeight，who，astheexecutivebody，shouldcarryintoeffectthedeterminationsofthecouncil。Theircreditsweredividedintoshares，called/Luoghi/，andtheytookthetitleoftheBank，orCompanyofSt。Giorgio。Havingthusarrangedtheirgovernment，thecityfellintofreshdifficulties，andappliedtoSanGiorgioforassistance，which，beingwealthyandwellmanaged，wasabletoaffordtherequiredaid。Ontheotherhand，asthecityhadatfirstconcededthecustoms，shenextbegantoassigntowns，castles，orterritories，assecurityformoneysreceived；andthispracticehasproceededtosuchalength，fromthenecessitiesofthestate，andtheaccommodationbytheSanGiorgio，thatthelatternowhasunderitsadministrationmostofthetownsandcitiesintheGenoesedominion。
ThesetheBankgovernsandprotects，andeveryyearsendsitsdeputies，appointedbyvote，withoutanyinterferenceonthepartoftherepublic。HencetheaffectionsofthecitizensaretransferredfromthegovernmenttotheSanGiorgio，onaccountofthetyrannyoftheformer，andtheexcellentregulationsadoptedbythelatter。Hencealsooriginatethefrequentchangesoftherepublic，whichissometimesunderacitizen，andatothertimesgovernedbyastranger；
forthemagistracy，andnottheSanGiorgio，changesthegovernment。
SowhentheFregosiandtheAdorniwereinopposition，asthegovernmentoftherepublicwastheprizeforwhichtheystrove，thegreaterpartofthecitizenswithdrewandleftittothevictor。TheonlyinterferenceoftheBankofSt。Giorgioiswhenonepartyhasobtainedasuperiorityovertheother，tobindthevictortotheobservanceofitslaws，whichuptothistimehavenotbeenchanged；
forasitpossessesarms，money，andinfluence，theycouldnotbealteredwithoutincurringtheimminentriskofadangerousrebellion。
Thisestablishmentpresentsaninstanceofwhatinalltherepublics，eitherdescribedorimaginedbyphilosophers，hasneverbeenthoughtof；exhibitingwithinthesamecommunity，andamongthesamecitizens，libertyandtyranny，integrityandcorruption，justiceandinjustice；
forthisestablishmentpreservesinthecitymanyancientandvenerablecustoms；andshouldithappenasintimeiteasilymay
thattheSanGiorgioshouldhavepossessionofthewholecity，therepublicwillbecomemoredistinguishedthanthatofVenice。
AgostinoFregosoconcededSerezanatotheSanGiorgio，whichreadilyacceptedit，undertookitsdefense，putafleettosea，andsentforcestoPietraSantatopreventallattemptsoftheFlorentines，whosecampwasintheimmediatevicinity。TheFlorentinesfounditwouldbeessentiallynecessarytogainpossessionofPietraSanta，forwithoutittheacquisitionofSerezanalostmuchofitsvalue，beingsituatedbetweenthelatterplaceandPisa；buttheycouldnot，consistentlywiththetreaty，besiegeit，unlessthepeopleofPietraSanta，oritsgarrison，weretoimpedetheiracquisitionofSerezana。
Toinducetheenemytodothis，theFlorentinessentfromPisatothecampaquantityofprovisionsandmilitarystores，accompaniedbyaveryweakescort；thatthepeopleofPietraSantamighthavelittlecauseforfear，andbytherichnessofthebootybetemptedtotheattack。Theplansucceededaccordingtotheirexpectation；fortheinhabitantsofPietraSanta，attractedbytherichprizetookpossessionofit。
ThisgavelegitimateoccasiontotheFlorentinestoundertakeoperationsagainstthem；soleavingSerezanatheyencampedbeforePietraSanta，whichwasverypopulous，andmadeagallantdefense。TheFlorentinesplantedtheirartilleryintheplain，andformedarampartuponthehill，thattheymightalsoattacktheplaceonthatside。
JacopoGuicciardiniwascommissaryofthearmy；andwhilethesiegeofPietraSantawasgoingon，theGenoesetookandburnedthefortressofVada，and，landingtheirforces，plunderedthesurroundingcountry。
BiongianniGianfigliazziwassentagainstthem，withabodyofhorseandfoot，andcheckedtheiraudacity，sothattheypursuedtheirdepredationslessboldly。ThefleetcontinuingitseffortswenttoLivorno，andbypontoonsandothermeansapproachedthenewtower，playingtheirartilleryuponitforseveraldays，butbeingunabletomakeanyimpressiontheywithdrew。
InthemeantimetheFlorentinesproceededslowlyagainstPietraSanta，andtheenemytakingcourageattackedandtooktheirworksuponthehill。Thiswaseffectedwithsomuchglory，andstrucksuchapanicintotheFlorentines，thattheywerealmostreadytoraisethesiege，andactuallyretreatedadistanceoffourmiles；fortheirgeneralsthoughtthattheywouldretiretowinterquarters，itbeingnowOctober，andmakenofurtherattempttillthereturnofspring。
WhenthediscomfiturewasknownatFlorence，thegovernmentwasfilledwithindignation；and，toimpartfreshvigortotheenterprise，andrestorethereputationoftheirforces，theyimmediatelyappointedAntonioPucciandBernardodelNericommissaries，who，withvastsumsofmoney，proceededtothearmy，andintimatedtheheavydispleasureoftheSignory，andofthewholecity，iftheydidnotreturntothewalls；andwhatadisgrace，ifsolargeanarmyandsomanygenerals，havingonlyasmallgarrisontocontendwith，couldnotconquersopoorandweakaplace。Theyexplainedtheimmediateandfutureadvantagesthatwouldresultfromtheacquisition，andspokesoforciblyuponthesubject，thatallbecameanxioustorenewtheattack。Theyresolved，inthefirstplace，torecovertherampartuponthehill；andhereitwasevidenthowgreatlyhumanity，affability，andcondescensioninfluencethemindsofsoldiers；forAntonioPucci，byencouragingoneandpromisinganother，shakinghandswiththismanandembracingthat，inducedthemtoproceedtothechargewithsuchimpetuosity，thattheygainedpossessionoftherampartinaninstant。
However，thevictorywasnotunattendedbymisfortune，forCountAntoniodaMarcianowaskilledbyacannonshot。Thissuccessfilledthetownspeoplewithsomuchterror，thattheybegantomakeproposalsforcapitulation；andtoinvestthesurrenderwithimposingsolemnity，Lorenzode'Medicicametothecamp，when，afterafewdays，thefortresswasgivenup。Itbeingnowwinter，theleadersoftheexpeditionthoughtitunadvisabletomakeanyfurthereffortuntilthereturnofspring，moreparticularlybecausetheautumnalairhadbeensounhealthythatnumberswereaffectedbyit。AntonioPucciandBiongianniGianfigliazziweretakenillanddied，tothegreatregretofall，sogreatlyhadAntonio'sconductatPietraSantaendearedhimtothearmy。
UponthetakingofPietraSanta，theLucchesesentambassadorstoFlorence，todemanditssurrendertotheirrepublic，onaccountofitshavingpreviouslybelongedtothem，andbecause，astheyalleged，itwasintheconditionsthatplacestakenbyeitherpartyweretoberestoredtotheiroriginalpossessors。TheFlorentinesdidnotdenythearticles，butrepliedthattheydidnotknowwhether，bythetreatybetweenthemselvesandtheGenoese，whichwasthenunderdiscussion，itwouldhavetobegivenupornot，andthereforecouldnotreplytothatpointatpresent；butincaseofitsrestitution，itwouldfirstbenecessaryfortheLucchesetoreimbursethemfortheexpensestheyhadincurredandtheinjurytheyhadsuffered，inthedeathofsomanycitizens；andthatwhenthiswassatisfactorilyarranged，theymightentertainhopesofobtainingtheplace。
ThewholewinterwasconsumedinnegotiationsbetweentheFlorentinesandGenoese，which，bythepope'sintervention，werecarriedonatRome；butnotbeingconcludeduponthereturnofspring，theFlorentineswouldhaveattackedSerezanahadtheynotbeenpreventedbytheillnessofLorenzode'Medici，andthewarbetweenthepopeandKingFerrando；forLorenzowasafflictednotonlybythegout，whichseemedhereditaryinhisfamily，butalsobyviolentpainsinthestomach，andwascompelledtogothebathsforrelief。
Themoreimportantreasonwasfurnishedbythewar，ofwhichthiswastheorigin。ThecityofL'Aquila，thoughsubjecttothekingdomofNaples，wasinamannerfree；andtheCountdiMontoriopossessedgreatinfluenceoverit。ThedukeofCalabriawasuponthebanksoftheTrontowithhismen-at-arms，underpretenseofappeasingsomedisturbancesamongthepeasantry；butreallywithadesignofreducingL'Aquilaentirelyundertheking'sauthority，andsentfortheCountdiMontorio，asiftoconsulthimuponthebusinesshepretendedthentohaveinhand。Thecountobeyedwithouttheleastsuspicion，andonhisarrivalwasmadeprisonerbythedukeandsenttoNaples。WhenthiscircumstancebecameknownatL'Aquila，theangeroftheinhabitantsarosetothehighestpitch；takingarmstheykilledAntonioCencinello，commissaryfortheking，andwithhimsomeinhabitantsknownpartisansofhismajesty。TheL'Aquilani，inordertohaveadefenderintheirrebellion，raisedthebannerofthechurch，andsentenvoystothepope，tosubmittheircityandthemselvestohim，beseechingthathewoulddefendthemashisownsubjectsagainstthetyrannyoftheking。Thepontiffgladlyundertooktheirdefense，forhehadbothpublicandprivatereasonsforhatingthatmonarch；andSignorRobertoofSanSeverino，anenemyofthedukeofMilan，beingdisengaged，wasappointedtotakethecommandofhisforces，andsentforwithallspeedtoRome。HeentreatedthefriendsandrelativesoftheCountdiMontoriotowithdrawtheirallegiancefromtheking，andinducedtheprincesofAltimura，Salerno，andBisignanototakearmsagainsthim。Theking，findinghimselfsosuddenlyinvolvedinwar，hadrecoursetotheFlorentinesandthedukeofMilanforassistance。TheFlorentineshesitatedwithregardtotheirownconduct，fortheyfeltalltheinconvenienceofneglectingtheirownaffairstoattendtothoseofothers，andhostilitiesagainstthechurchseemedlikelytoinvolvemuchrisk。However，beingundertheobligationofaLeague，theypreferredtheirhonortoconvenienceorsecurity，engagedtheOrsini，andsentalltheirownforcesundertheCountdiPitiglianotowardRome，totheassistanceoftheking。Thelatterdividedhisforcesintotwoparts；one，underthedukeofCalabria，hesenttowardRome，which，beingjoinedbytheFlorentines，opposedthearmyofthechurch；withtheother，underhisowncommand，heattackedthebarons，andthewarwasprosecutedwithvarioussuccessonbothsides。Atlength，theking，beinguniversallyvictorious，peacewasconcludedbytheinterventionoftheambassadorsofthekingofSpain，inAugust，1486，towhichthepopeconsented；
forhavingfoundfortuneopposedtohimhewasnotdisposedtotemptitfurther。InthistreatyallthepowersofItalywereunited，excepttheGenoese，whowereomittedasrebelsagainsttherepublicofMilan，andunjustoccupiersofterritoriesbelongingtotheFlorentines。Uponthepeacebeingratified，RobertodaSanSeverino，havingbeenduringthewaratreacherousallyofthechurch，andbynomeansformidabletoherenemies，leftRome；beingfollowedbytheforcesofthedukeandtheFlorentines，afterpassingCesena，foundthemnearhim，andurginghisflightreachedRavennawithlessthanahundredhorse。Ofhisforces，partwerereceivedintotheduke'sservice，andpartwereplunderedbythepeasantry。Theking，beingreconciledwithhisbarons，puttodeathJacopoCoppolaandAntonellod'Aversaandtheirsons，forhaving，duringthewar，betrayedhissecretstothepope。
CHAPTERVII
ThepopebecomesattachedtotheFlorentines——TheGenoeseseizeSerezanello——TheyareroutedbytheFlorentines——Serezanasurrenders——GenoasubmitstothedukeofMilan——WarbetweentheVenetiansandtheDutch——Osimorevoltsfromthechurch——CountGirolamoRiario，lordofFurli，slainbyaconspiracy——Galeotto，lordofFaenza，ismurderedbythetreacheryofhiswife——ThegovernmentofthecityofferedtotheFlorentines——DisturbancesinSienna——DeathofLorenzode'Medici——Hiseulogy——Establishmentofhisfamily——EstatesboughtbyLorenzo——HisanxietyforthedefenseofFlorence——Histasteforartsandliterature——TheuniversityofPisa——TheestimationofLorenzobyotherprinces。
Thepopehavingobservedinthecourseofthewar，howpromptlyandearnestlytheFlorentinesadheredtotheiralliances，althoughhehadpreviouslybeenopposedtothemfromhisattachmenttotheGenoese，andtheassistancetheyhadrenderedtotheking，nowevincedamoreamicabledisposition，andreceivedtheirambassadorswithgreaterfavorthanpreviously。Lorenzode'Medici，beingmadeacquaintedwiththischangeoffeeling，encourageditwiththeutmostsolicitude；forhethoughtitwouldbeofgreatadvantage，iftothefriendshipofthekinghecouldaddthatofthepontiff。ThepopehadasonnamedFrancesco，uponwhomdesigningtobestowstatesandattachfriendswhomightbeusefultohimafterhisowndeath，sawnosaferconnectioninItalythanLorenzo's，andthereforeinducedthelattertogivehimoneofhisdaughtersinmarriage。Havingformedthisalliance，thepopedesiredtheGenoesetoconcedeSerezanatotheFlorentines，insistingthattheyhadnorighttodetainwhatAgostinohadsold，norwasAgostinojustifiedinmakingovertotheBankofSanGiorgiowhatwasnothisown。However，hisholinessdidnotsucceedwiththem；fortheGenoese，duringthesetransactionsatRome，armedseveralvessels，and，unknowntotheFlorentines，landedthreethousandfoot，attackedSerezanello，situatedaboveSerezana，plunderedandburntthetownnearit，andthen，directingtheirartilleryagainstthefortress，fireduponitwiththeirutmostenergy。ThisassaultwasnewandunexpectedbytheFlorentines，whoimmediatelyassembledtheirforcesunderVirginioOrsino，atPisa，andcomplainedtothepope，thatwhilehewasendeavoringtoestablishpeace，theGenoesehadrenewedtheirattackuponthem。TheythensentPieroCorsinitoLucca，thatbyhispresencehemightkeepthecityfaithful；andPagolantonioSoderinitoVenice，tolearnhowthatrepublicwasdisposed。TheydemandedassistanceofthekingandofSignorLodovico，butobtaineditfromneither；forthekingexpressedapprehensionsoftheTurkishfleet，andLodovicomadeexcuses，butsentnoaid。ThustheFlorentinesintheirownwarsarealmostalwaysobligedtostandalone，andfindnofriendstoassistthemwiththesamereadinesstheypracticetowardothers。Nordidthey，onthisdesertionoftheiralliesitbeingnothingnewtothemgivewaytodespondency；forhavingassembledalargearmyunderJacopoGuicciardiniandPietroVettori，theysentitagainsttheenemy，whohadencampedupontheriverMagra，atthesametimepressingSerezanellowithminesandeveryspeciesofattack。Thecommissariesbeingresolvedtorelievetheplace，anengagementensued，whentheGenoesewererouted，andLodovicodalFiesco，withseveralotherprincipalmen，madeprisoners。TheSerezanesiwerenotsodepressedattheirdefeatastobewillingtosurrender，butobstinatelypreparedfortheirdefense，whiletheFlorentinecommissariesproceededwiththeiroperations，andinstancesofvaloroccurredonbothsides。Thesiegebeingprotractedbyavarietyoffortune，Lorenzode'Mediciresolvedtogotothecamp，andonhisarrivalthetroopsacquiredfreshcourage，whilethatoftheenemyseemedtofail；forperceivingtheobstinacyoftheFlorentines'
attack，andthedelayoftheGenoeseincomingtotheirrelief，theysurrenderedtoLorenzo，withoutaskingconditions，andnoneweretreatedwithseverityexcepttwoorthreewhowereleadersoftherebellion。Duringthesiege，LodovicohadsenttroopstoPontremoli，asifwithanintentionofassistingtheFlorentines；buthavingsecretcorrespondenceinGenoa，apartywasraisedthere，who，bytheaidoftheseforces，gavethecitytothedukeofMilan。
AtthistimetheDutchmadewarupontheVenetians，andBoccolinoofOsimo，intheMarca，causedthatplacetorevoltfromthepope，andassumedthesovereignty。Afteravarietyoffortune，hewasinducedtorestorethecitytothepontiffandcometoFlorence，where，undertheprotectionofLorenzode'Medici，bywhoseadvicehehadbeenprevailedupontosubmit，helivedlongandrespected。HeafterwardwenttoMilan，butdidnotexperiencesuchgeneroustreatment；forLodovicocausedhimtobeputtodeath。TheVenetianswereroutedbytheDutch，nearthecityofTrento，andRobertodaS。Severino，theircaptain，wasslain。Afterthisdefeat，theVenetians，withtheirusualgoodfortune，madepeacewiththeDutch，notasvanquished，butasconquerors，sohonorablewerethetermstheyobtained。
Aboutthistime，therearoseserioustroublesinRomagna。Francescod'Orso，ofFurli，wasamanofgreatauthorityinthatcity，andbecamesuspectedbythecountGirolamo，whooftenthreatenedhim。Heconsequently，livingundergreatapprehensions，wasadvisedbyhisfriendstoprovideforhisownsafety，bytheimmediateadoptionofsuchacourseaswouldrelievehimfromallfurtherfearofthecount。
Havingconsideredthematterandresolvedtoattemptit，theyfixeduponthemarketday，atFurli，asmostsuitablefortheirpurpose；formanyoftheirfriendsbeingsuretocomefromthecountry，theymightmakeuseoftheirserviceswithouthavingtobringthemexpresslyfortheoccasion。ItwasthemonthofMay，whenmostItalianstakesupperbydaylight。Theconspiratorsthoughtthemostconvenienthourwouldbeafterthecounthadfinishedhisrepast；forhishouseholdbeingthenattheirmeal，hewouldremaininthechamberalmostalone。
Havingfixeduponthehour，Francescowenttothecount'sresidence，lefthiscompanionsinthehall，proceededtohisapartment，anddesiredanattendanttosayhewishedforaninterview。Hewasadmitted，andafterafewwordsofpretendedcommunication，slewhim，andcallingtohisassociates，killedtheattendant。Thegovernoroftheplacecomingbyaccidenttospeakwiththecount，andenteringtheapartmentwithafewofhispeople，wasalsoslain。Afterthisslaughter，andinthemidstofagreattumult，thecount'sbodywasthrownfromthewindow，andwiththecryof"churchandliberty，"theyrousedthepeoplewhohatedtheavariceandcrueltyofthecounttoarms，andhavingplunderedhishouse，madetheCountessCaterinaandherchildrenprisoners。Thefortressalonehadtobetakentobringtheenterprisetoasuccessfulissue；buttheCastellanwouldnotconsenttoitssurrender。Theybeggedthecountesswoulddesirehimtocomplywiththeirwish，whichshepromisedtodo，iftheywouldallowhertogointothefortress，leavingherchildrenassecurityfortheperformanceofherpromise。Theconspiratorstrustedher，andpermittedhertoenter；butassoonasshewaswithin，shethreatenedthemwithdeathandeverykindoftortureinrevengeforthemurderofherhusband；andupontheirmenacingherwiththedeathofherchildren，shesaidshehadthemeansofgettingmore。Findingtheywerenotsupportedbythepope，andthatLodovicoSforza，uncletothecountess，hadsentforcestoherassistance，theconspiratorsbecameterrified，andtakingwiththemwhateverpropertytheycouldcarryoff，theyfledtoCittadiCastello。Thecountessrecoveredthestate，andavengedthedeathofherhusbandwiththeutmostcruelty。TheFlorentineshearingofthecount'sdeath，tookoccasiontorecoverthefortressofPiancaldoli，ofwhichhehadformerlydeprivedthem，and，onsendingsomeforces，capturedit；butCecco，thefamousengineer，losthislifeduringthesiege。
TothisdisturbanceinRomagna，anotherinthatprovince，nolessimportant，hastobeadded。Galeotto，lordofFaenza，hadmarriedthedaughterofGiovanniBentivogli，princeofBologna。She，eitherthroughjealousyorilltreatmentbyherhusband，orfromthedepravityofherownnature，hatedhimtosuchadegree，thatshedeterminedtodeprivehimofhispossessionsandhislife；andpretendingsickness，shetooktoherbed，where，havinginducedGaleottotovisither，hewasslainbyassassins，whomshehadconcealedforthatpurposeintheapartment。Shehadacquaintedherfatherwithherdesign，andhehoped，onhisson-in-law'sdeath，tobecomelordofFaenza。Agreattumultaroseassoonasthemurderwasknown，thewidow，withaninfantson，fledintothefortress，thepeopletookuparms，GiovanniBentivogli，withacondottiereofthedukeofMilan，namedBergamino，engagedfortheoccasion，enteredFaenzawithaconsiderableforce，andAntonioBoscoli，theFlorentinecommissary，wasalsothere。Theseleadersbeingtogether，anddiscoursingofthegovernmentoftheplace，themenofValdiLamona，whohadrisenunanimouslyuponlearningwhathadoccurred，attackedGiovanniandBergamino，thelatterofwhomtheyslew，madetheformerprisoner，andraisingthecryof"AstorreandtheFlorentines，"
offeredthecitytothecommissary。TheseeventsbeingknownatFlorence，gavegeneraloffense；however，theysetGiovanniandhisdaughteratliberty，andbytheuniversaldesireofthepeople，tookthecityandAstorreundertheirprotection。Besidesthese，aftertheprincipaldifferencesofthegreaterpowerswerecomposed，duringseveralyearstumultsprevailedinRomagna，theMarca，andSienna，which，astheyareunimportant，itwillbeneedlesstorecount。WhenthedukeofCalabria，afterthewarof1478，hadleftthecountry，thedistractionsofSiennabecamemorefrequent，andaftermanychanges，inwhich，firsttheplebeians，andthenthenobility，werevictorious，thelatterandlengthmaintainedthesuperiority，andamongthemPandolfoandJacopoPetrucciobtainedthegreatestinfluence，sothattheformerbeingdistinguishedforprudenceandthelatterforresolution，theybecamealmostprincesinthecity。
TheFlorentinesafterthewarofSerezana，livedingreatprosperityuntil1492，whenLorenzode'Medicidied；forhehavingputastoptotheinternalwarsofItaly，andbyhiswisdomandauthorityestablishedpeace，turnedhisthoughtstotheadvancementofhisownandthecity'sinterests，andmarriedPiero，hiseldestson，toAlfonsina，daughteroftheCavaliereOrsino。HecausedGiovanni，hissecondson，toberaisedtothedignityofcardinal。Thiswasthemoreremarkablefromitsbeingunprecedented；forhewasonlyfourteenyearsofagewhenadmittedtothecollege；andbecamethemediumbywhichhisfamilyattainedtothehighestearthlyglory。HewasunabletomakeanyparticularprovisionforGuiliano，histhirdson，onaccountofhistenderyears，andtheshortnessofhisownlife。Ofhisdaughters，onemarriedJacopoSalviati；another，FrancescoCibo；thethird，PieroRidolfi；andthefourth，whom，inordertokeephishouseunited，hehadmarriedtoGiovannide'Medici，died。Inhiscommercialaffairshewasveryunfortunate，fromtheimproperconductofhisagents，whoinalltheirproceedingsassumedthedeportmentofprincesratherthanofprivatepersons；sothatinmanyplaces，muchofhispropertywaswasted，andhehadtoberelievedbyhiscountrywithlargesumsofmoney。Toavoidsimilarinconvenience，hewithdrewfrommercantilepursuits，andinvestedhispropertyinlandandhouses，asbeinglessliabletovicissitude。InthedistrictsofPrato，Pisa，andtheValdiPesa，hepurchasedextensively，anderectedbuildings，whichformagnificenceandutility，werequiteofregalcharacter。Henextundertooktheimprovementofthecity，andasmanypartswereunoccupiedbybuildings，hecausednewstreetstobeerectedinthem，ofgreatbeauty，andthusenlargedtheaccommodationoftheinhabitants。Toenjoyhispowerinsecurityandrepose，andconquerorresisthisenemiesatadistance，inthedirectionofBolognahefortifiedthecastleofFirenzuola，situatedinthemidstoftheAppennines；towardSiennahecommencedtherestorationandfortificationofthePoggioImperiale；andheshutouttheenemyinthedirectionofGenoa，bytheacquisitionofPietraSantaandSerezana。Forthegreatersafetyofthecity，hekeptinpaytheBaglioni，atPerugia，andtheVitelli，atCittadiCastello，andheldthegovernmentofFaenzawhollyinhisownpower；allwhichgreatlycontributedtothereposeandprosperityofFlorence。Inpeacefultimes，hefrequentlyentertainedthepeoplewithfeasts，andexhibitionsofvariouseventsandtriumphsofantiquity；hisobjectbeingtokeepthecityabundantlysupplied，thepeopleunited，andthenobilityhonored。Hewasagreatadmirerofexcellenceinthearts，andapatronofliterarymen，ofwhichAgnolodaMontepulciano，CristoferoLandini，andDemetriusChalcondylas，aGreek，mayaffordsufficientproofs。Onthisaccount，CountGiovannidellaMirandola，amanofalmostsupernaturalgenius，aftervisitingeverycourtofEurope，inducedbythemunificenceofLorenzo，establishedhisabodeatFlorence。Hetookgreatdelightinarchitecture，music，andpoetry，manyofhiscommentsandpoeticalcompositionsstillremaining。TofacilitatethestudyofliteraturetotheyouthofFlorence，heopenedauniversityatPisa，whichwasconductedbythemostdistinguishedmeninItaly。ForMarianodaChinazano，afriaroftheorderofSt。
Augustine，andanexcellentpreacher，hebuiltamonasteryintheneighborhoodofFlorence。HeenjoyedmuchfavorbothfromfortuneandfromtheAlmighty；allhisenterpriseswerebroughttoaprosperoustermination，whilehisenemieswereunfortunate；for，besidestheconspiracyofthePazzi，anattemptwasmadetomurderhimintheCarmine，byBatistaFrescobaldi，andasimilaronebyBaldinettodaPistoja，athisvilla；butthesepersons，withtheirconfederates，cametotheendtheircrimesdeserved。Hisskill，prudence，andfortune，wereacknowledgedwithadmiration，notonlybytheprincesofItaly，butbythoseofdistantcountries；forMatthias，kingofHungary，gavehimmanyproofsofhisregard；thesultansentambassadorstohimwithvaluablepresents，andtheTurkishemperorplacedinhishandsBernardoBandini，themurdererofhisbrother。
ThesecircumstancesraisedhisfamethroughoutItaly，andhisreputationforprudenceconstantlyincreased；forincouncilhewaseloquentandacute，wiseindetermination，andpromptandresoluteinexecution。Norcanvicesbeallegedagainsthimtosullysomanyvirtues；thoughhewasfondofwomen，pleasedwiththecompanyoffacetiousandsatiricalmen，andamusedwiththegamesofthenursery，morethanseemedconsistentwithsogreatacharacter；forhewasfrequentlyseenplayingwithhischildren，andpartakingoftheirinfantinesports；sothatwhoeverconsidersthisgravityandcheerfulness，willfindunitedinhimdispositionswhichseemalmostincompatiblewitheachother。Inhislateryears，hewasgreatlyafflicted；besidesthegout，hewastroubledwithexcruciatingpainsinthestomach，ofwhichhediedinApril，1492，intheforty-fourthyearofhisage；norwasthereeverinFlorence，oreveninItaly，onesocelebratedforwisdom，orforwhoselosssuchuniversalregretwasfelt。Asfromhisdeaththegreatestdevastationwouldshortlyensue，theheavensgavemanyevidenttokensofitsapproach；amongothersigns，thehighestpinnacleofthechurchofSantaReparatawasstruckwithlightning，andgreatpartofitthrowndown，totheterrorandamazementofeveryone。ThecitizensandalltheprincesofItalymournedforhim，andsenttheirambassadorstoFlorence，tocondolewiththecityontheoccasion；andthejustnessoftheirgriefwasshortlyafterapparent；forbeingdeprivedofhiscounsel，hissurvivorswereunableeithertosatisfyorrestraintheambitionofLodovicoSforza，tutortothedukeofMilan；andhence，soonafterthedeathofLorenzo，thoseevilplantsbegantogerminate，whichinalittletimeruinedItaly，andcontinuetokeepherindesolation。
End