Federigo, count of Urbino; and being thus on good terms with their
friends, their enemies occasioned them less anxiety. Ferrando sent
Alfonso, his eldest son, to their aid, and Galeazzo came in person,
each at the head of a suitable force, and all assembled at Castrocaro,
a fortress belonging to the Florentines, and situated among the roots of
the Appennines which descend from Tuscany to Romagna. In the meantime,
the enemy withdrew toward Imola. A few slight skirmishes took place
between the armies; yet, in accordance with the custom of the times,
neither of them acted on the offensive, besieged any town, or gave the
other an opportunity of coming to a general engagement; but each kept
within their tents, and conducted themselves with most remarkable
cowardice. This occasioned general dissatisfaction among the
Florentines; for they found themselves involved in an expensive war,
from which no advantage could be derived. The magistrates complained
of these spiritless proceedings to those who had been appointed
commissaries to the expedition; but they replied, that the entire evil
was chargeable upon the Duke Galeazzo, who possessing great authority
and little experience, was unable to suggest useful measures, and
unwilling to take the advice of those who were more capable; and
therefore any demonstration of courage or energy would be impracticable
so long as he remained with the army. Hereupon the Florentines
intimated to the duke, that his presence with the force was in many
ways advantageous and beneficial, and of itself sufficient to alarm the
enemy; but they considered his own safety and that of his dominions,
much more important than their own immediate convenience; because so
long as the former were safe, the Florentines had nothing to fear, and
all would go well; but if his dominions were to suffer, they might then
apprehend all kinds of misfortune. They assured him they did not think
it prudent for him to be absent so long from Milan, having recently
succeeded to the government, and being surrounded by many powerful
enemies and suspected neighbors; while any who were desirous of plotting
against him, had an opportunity of doing so with impunity. They would,
therefore, advise him to return to his territories, leaving part of
his troops with them for the use of the expedition. This advice pleased
Galeazzo, who, in consequence, immediately withdrew to Milan. The
Florentine generals being now left without any hindrance,