of the Venetians and the king
of Naples for the war--The Venetians excite disturbances in
Bologna--Florence prepares for war--The emperor, Frederick III.
at Florence--War in Lombardy between the duke of Milan and the
Venetians--Ferrando, son of the king of Naples, marches into Tuscany
against the Florentines.

The ambassadors were at Reggio when they heard that the count had become
lord of Milan; for as soon as the truce had expired, he approached the
city with his forces, hoping quickly to get possession of it in spite
of the Venetians, who could bring no relief except from the side of
the Adda, which route he could easily obstruct, and therefore had no
apprehension (being then winter) of their arrival, and he trusted that,
before the return of spring, he would be victorious, particularly, as
by the death of Francesco Piccinino, there remained only Jacopo his
brother, to command the Milanese. The Venetians had sent an ambassador
to Milan to confirm the citizens in their resolution of defense,
promising them powerful and immediate aid. During the winter a few
slight skirmishes had taken place between the count and the Venetians;
but on the approach of milder weather, the latter, under Pandolfo
Malatesti, halted with their army upon the Adda, and considering
whether, in order to succor the Milanese, they ought to risk a battle,
Pardolfo, their general, aware of the count's abilities, and the courage
of his army, said it would be unadvisable to do so, and that, under the
circumstances, it was needless, for the count, being in great want of
forage, could not keep the field, and must soon retire. He therefore
advised them to remain encamped, to keep the Milanese in hope, and
prevent them from surrendering. This advice was approved by the
Venetians, both as being safe, and because, by keeping the Milanese in
this necessity, they might be the sooner compelled to submit to their
dominion; for they felt quite sure that the injuries they had received
would always prevent their submission to the count.

In the meantime, the Milanese were reduced to the utmost misery; and as
the city usually abounded with poor, many died of hunger in the streets;
hence arose complaints and disturbances in several parts, which alarmed
the magistrates, and compelled them to use their utmost exertions to
prevent popular meetings. The multitude are always slow to resolve on
commotion; but the resolution once formed, any trivial circumstance
excites