To return to the king of France: after his victory over the Venetians, he went to Milan, where a magnificent triumphal entry was prepared for him, after the manner of the ancient Romans. Brilliant cars, full of the handsomest and best dressed ladies in Milan, went out to meet him,—and the people greeted him with acclamations, comparing him to Cæsar, for having conquered and reduced to his subjection those who had been feared and dreaded by all the world before.
The king, having had so handsome a reception in Milan, went thence to Savona, where he was met by Ferdinand, who had come thither with a numerous fleet of galleys for the purpose. The king of France received him and his queen with much kindness, and they made good cheer together. They confirmed their peace by dividing the eucharist between them at the holy sacrament; but it lasted not long, notwithstanding this ceremony, as you will hereafter see. There are many who make a good sale of their consciences and promises; and one of them, instead of the host, ought to have swallowed a burning coal,—for numberless creatures have paid dear for perjuries of which they were innocent, and had no concern with.
A WAR BETWEEN POPE JULIUS AND THE KING OF FRANCE, ON ACCOUNT OF THE DUKE OF FERRARA.—A COUNCIL OF THE CHURCH ASSEMBLED AT THE INSTANCE OF THE EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN AND THE KING OF FRANCE, TO THE DISSATISFACTION OF THE POPE.—BOLOGNA TAKEN BY THE FRENCH.
About this time, the town of Mirandola was valiantly reconquered by the French, and the town of Udina delivered up to the king of the Romans. The marquis of Mantua was taken prisoner by the Venetians, and carried to Venice, whence, some time after, he easily obtained his liberty. A fresh war now commenced between the pope and the duke of Ferrara, an ally of France,—for which reason, the king left the count Gaston de Foix, whom he had lately created duke of Nemours, his lieutenant-general in the Milanese, who did marvellous feats of arms during his command in Italy.
The lord-cardinal of Amboise, on his last return from Italy, fell sick at Lyon, and died there. His loss was great, as was afterwards known, although at the time some thought the contrary; but they were unacquainted with his many virtues, and the good use he made of his talents,—for during the whole of his administration, he advised his master with such wisdom that the people were never over-taxed. Whatever wars king Louis may have carried on in Italy, the taxes were never raised above their usual rates; but when the enemy attempted to bring the war on the french territory, it became absolutely necessary to increase them.
The king was, not without foundation, called 'the father of his people,' notwithstanding that title may have been given him during his life through flattery, and the worth of other kings debased, the more to exalt his own. It is impossible to say too much of a virtuous man in his absence; but when present, to praise him smells strongly of the love of lucre.