The Italian States confront the Great Nations of Europe--Policy of
Louis XI. of France--Character of Charles VIII.--Preparations for the
Invasion of Italy--Position of Lodovico Sforza--Diplomatic
Difficulties in Italy after the Death of Lorenzo de' Medici--Weakness
of the Republics--Il Moro--The year 1494---Alfonso of
Naples--Inefficiency of the Allies to cope with France--Charles at
Lyons is stirred up to the Invasion of Italy by Giuliano della
Rovere--Charles at Asti and Pavia--Murder of Gian Galeazzo
Sforza--Mistrust in the French Army--Rapallo and Fivizzano--The
Entrance into Tuscany--Part played by Piero de' Medici--Charles at
Pisa--His Entrance into Florence--Piero Capponi--The March on
Rome--Entry into Rome--Panic of Alexander VI.--The March on
Naples--The Spanish Dynasty: Alfonso and Ferdinand--Alfonso II.
escapes to Sicily--Ferdinand II. takes Refuge in Ischia--Charles at
Naples--The League against the French--De Comines at Venice--Charles
makes his Retreat by Rome, Siena, Pisa, and Pontremoli--The Battle of
Fornovo--Charles reaches Asti and returns to France--Italy becomes
the Prize to be fought for by France, Spain, and Germany--Importance
of the Expedition of Charles VIII. [537]