t upon a point which was least
defended. At the first charge, as commonly happens in a surprise,
Francesco's whole army was thrown into dismay. Order, however, was
soon so completely restored by the count, that the enemy, after various
efforts to gain the outworks, were repulsed and put to flight; and so
entirely routed, that of twelve thousand horse only one thousand escaped
the hands of the Milanese, who took possession of all the carriages
and military stores; nor had the Venetians ever before suffered such a
thorough rout and overthrow. Among the plunder and prisoners, crouching
down, as if to escape observation, was found a Venetian commissary, who,
in the course of the war and before the fight, had spoken contemptuously
of the count, calling him "bastard," and "base-born." Being made
prisoner, he remembered his faults, and fearing punishment, being taken
before the count, was agonized with terror; and, as is usual with
mean minds (in prosperity insolent, in adversity abject and cringing),
prostrated himself, weeping and begging pardon for the offenses he
had committed. The count, taking him by the arm, raised him up, and
encouraged him to hope for the best. He then said he wondered how a
man so prudent and respectable as himself, could so far err as to
speak disparagingly of those who did not merit it; and as regarded the
insinuations which he had made against him, he really did not know how
Sforza his father, and Madonna Lucia his mother, had proceeded together,
not having been there, and having no opportunity of interfering in the
matter, so that he was not liable either to blame or praise. However,
he knew very well, that in regard to his own actions he had conducted
himself so that no one could blame him; and in proof of this he would
refer both the Venetian senate and himself to what had happened that
day. He then advised him in future to be more respectful in speaking of
others, and more cautious in regard to his own proceedings.

CHAPTER IV

The count's successes--The Venetians come to terms with him--Views of
the Venetians--Indignation of the Milanese against the count--Their
ambassador's address to him--The count's moderation and reply--The count
and the Milanese prepare for war--Milanese ambassadors at Venice--League
of the Venetians and Milanese--The count dupes the Venetians and
Milanese--He applies for assistance to the Florentines--Diversity of
opinions in Florence on the subject--Neri di Gino C