POPE LEO X. AND THE KING OF FRANCE MEET AT BOLOGNA, TO CONFER ON THE STATE OF AFFAIRS.—THE KING RETURNS TO FRANCE.
About this period died the commander of the venetian forces, the lord Bartholomew d'Alviano. His death was caused by a fever, from overheating himself. He was much regretted for his valour and his attachment to the french interest. The Lansquenets received from the king, at two different times, double pay. And during his residence at Milan, a treaty was concluded by him with the Swiss-cantons, by means of a large sum of money paid them, notwithstanding they had been so lately conquered by the French.
When this treaty was signed, ambassadors were sent from the pope to the king, to invite him to Bologna, that they might hold a conference on the state of the affairs of Italy, and for the mutual strengthening of their friendship and alliance. The king, in consequence, left Milan with a numerous attendance, especially of men at arms, and arrived at Bologna, where he had a welcome reception from the pope, who entertained him handsomely,—and they had frequent and long conversations together.
One day, the pope performed a solemn service in the cathedral, at which the king assisted. It lasted some time; after which, an alliance was concluded between them. The pope gave up to the king several towns that belonged to him in right of the duchy of Milan. He gave also a cardinal's hat to the bishop of Constance, brother to the grand master of France.
When every thing had been concluded between the pope and the king, he returned to Milan, and thence took the road to France, leaving the duke of Bourbon, constable of France, his lieutenant-general of the Milanese[65]. He made all diligence in crossing the Alps, and arrived at La Baûme, where the queen and his lady-mother were waiting for him. He was joyfully received there, as well as in many other towns in Provence. On leaving La Baûme, they all came together to Avignon, and had a handsome entry. Thence they proceeded to Lyon, where the queen made her public entry, and was received with all demonstrations of joy.
At this time died Ferdinand king of Arragon, who, during his reign, had made many conquests, more especially over the Moors, whom he had subjected to his obedience. At this period, also, died the magnificent Lorenzo de Medici, brother to pope Leo X., who had lately married a sister to the duke of Savoy, and sister also to the countess of Angoulême, mother to Francis I. king of France. He had been appointed generalissimo of the army of the church.
Nearly at this period, a furious battle was fought between the Sophi, called Ishmael, and the grand Turk, and won by the latter, when more than one hundred and sixty thousand men were slain[66]. The Sophi, however, undismayed, collected fresh troops, and marched a considerable army against the Turk, whom he, in his turn, defeated, and drove him beyond the walls of Constantinople into Greece. The Sophi remained in possession of all the conquered country, while the Turk was like a captive within the territories of Christendom, and the war was continued on both sides.
FOOTNOTES:
[65] Is not this a mistake? was not Lautrec governor of the Milanese? and who offended the inhabitants by his severity.