enter
Italy in favor of the duke and themselves, and also, that by his
presence in the country, he might defend his friends and attempt the
recovery of the kingdom of Naples; for which purpose they offered him
assistance in men and money. While the war was proceeding in Lombardy
and Tuscany, the ambassador effected an arrangement with King Rene,
who promised to come into Italy during the month of June, the League
engaging to pay him thirty thousand florins upon his arrival at
Alexandria, and ten thousand per month during the continuance of the
war. In pursuance of this treaty, King Rene commenced his march
into Italy, but was stopped by the duke of Savoy and the marquis of
Montferrat, who, being in alliance with the Venetians, would not allow
him to pass. The Florentine ambassador advised, that in order to uphold
the influence of his friends, he should return to Provence, and conduct
part of his forces into Italy by sea, and, in the meantime, endeavor,
by the authority of the king of France, to obtain a passage for the
remainder through the territories of the duke. This plan was completely
successful; for Rene came into Italy by sea, and his forces, by the
mediation of the king of France, were allowed a passage through Savoy.
King Rene was most honorably received by Duke Francesco, and joining his
French with the Italian forces, they attacked the Venetians with so much
impetuosity, that they shortly recovered all the places which had been
taken in the Cremonese. Not content with this, they occupied nearly
the whole Brescian territory; so that the Venetians, unable to keep the
field, withdrew close to the walls of Brescia.

Winter coming on, the duke deemed it advisable to retire into quarters,
and appointed Piacenza for the forces of Rene, where, having passed the
whole of the cold season of 1453, without attempting anything, the duke
thought of taking the field, on the approach of spring, and stripping
the Venetians of the remainder of their possessions by land, but was
informed by the king that he was obliged of necessity to return to
France. This determination was quite new and unexpected to the duke,
and caused him the utmost concern; but though he immediately went to
dissuade Rene from carrying it into effect, he was unable either by
promises or entreaties to divert him from his purpose. He engaged,
however, to leave part of his forces, and send his son for the service
of the League. The Florentines were not displ