rned to his own territories.

At this time, Genoa withdrew from the dominion of Milan, under the
following circumstances. Galeazzo, at his death, left a son, Giovan
Galeazzo, who being too young to undertake the government, dissensions
arose between Sforza, Lodovico, Ottaviano, and Ascanio, his uncles, and
the lady Bona, his mother, each of whom desired the guardianship of the
young duke. By the advice and mediation of Tommaso Soderini, who
was then Florentine ambassador at the court of Milan, and of Cecco
Simonetta, who had been secretary to Galeazzo, the lady Bona prevailed.
The uncles fled, Ottaviano was drowned in crossing the Adda; the rest
were banished to various places, together with Roberto da San Severino,
who in these disputes had deserted the duchess and joined the uncles
of the duke. The troubles in Tuscany, which immediately followed,
gave these princes hope that the new state of things would present
opportunities for their advantage; they therefore quitted the places to
which their exile limited them, and each endeavored to return home. King
Ferrando, finding the Florentines had obtained assistance from none but
the Milanese, took occasion to give the duchess so much occupation
in her own government, as to render her unable to contribute to their
assistance. By means of Prospero Adorno, the Signor Roberto, and the
rebellious uncles of the duke, he caused Genoa to throw off the Milanese
yoke. The Castelletto was the only place left; confiding in which, the
duchess sent a strong force to recover the city, but it was routed by
the enemy; and perceiving the danger which might arise to her son and
herself if the war were continued, Tuscany being in confusion, and the
Florentines, in whom alone she had hope, themselves in trouble, she
determined, as she could not retain Genoa in subjection, to secure it
as an ally; and agreed with Battistino Fregoso, the enemy of Prospero
Adorno, to give him the Castelletto, and make him prince of Genoa, on
condition that he should expel Prospero, and do nothing in favor of her
son's uncles. Upon this agreement, Battistino, by the assistance of the
Castelletto and of his friends, became lord of Genoa; and according to
the custom of the city, took the title of Doge. The Sforzeschi and the
Signor Roberto, being thus expelled by the Genoese, came with their
forces into Lunigiana, and the pope and the king, perceiving the
troubles of Lombardy to be composed, took occasion with them