Chapter XV
Reading edition
CHAPTER XV
1494.Jan.Alfonso II. succeeds to the crown of Naples341
” Position of the Italian powers at the invasion of Charles VIII.341
” Alfonso's efforts to conciliate the Pontiff and his children342
” His son Cesare made Cardinal Valentino343
” The Pope employs Guidobaldo against the Orsini344
” His first attack of gout344
” The marriage of Lucrezia Borgia to Giovanni Sforza of Pesaro344
” Its scandalous orgies345
”June.Her visit to Urbino345
” Double-dealing of Alexander with Alfonso345
” The calamities of the French invasion346
” Description of Charles VIII. by Guicciardini346
” And by Mantegna347
” And by Ludovico il Moro347
” The campaign opened by Sir Bernard Stuart of Aubigny348
”Aug. 20.Charles leaves Vienne and reaches Milan348
” Alfonso alone prepares to oppose him348
” Sends the Duke of Calabria into Romagna348
” He is supported by the Duke of Urbino, but without avail348
”Nov. 9.Tuscany welcomes Charles, and expels the Medici349
” This revolution graphically described350
” Financial expedient proposed at Florence351
”Dec. 31.Charles enters Rome351
1495.Jan. 28.Leaves it for Naples351
”” 23.Alfonso abdicates the crown, and dies soon after351
””Succeeded by his son Ferdinand II., who retires to Ischia352
”” 22.Charles takes possession of Naples352
”Mar. 31.A new League formed against the French352
1494.Oct.Ludovico il Moro becomes Duke of Milan353
1495. The demoralisation of the French army353
”May 20.It leaves Naples353
”July 6.Battle of the Taro, at Fornovo354
”Oct.It re-enters France354
”July.Ferdinand II. restored at Naples354
1496. Whose French garrison surrenders355
” Results to Italy of this invasion355
1495. The Pisan war, in which Guidobaldo was engaged by the Florentines356
” Their conduct leads to fresh discord356
” And to an invasion by Maximilian357
” Guidobaldo recalled by the Pope to aid in restoring Ferdinand II.357
1496.Oct.Who dies soon after358
””Peace again troubled by Alexander, who attacks the Orsini358
””Aided by Guidobaldo358
” His petty campaign against Bracciano359
1497.Jan. 23.Is beaten, and taken prisoner360
” The Venetian Signory interfere in his behalf361
” A heavy ransom extorted from him with the Pope's connivance361