had already taken the field, attacked the marquis,
overran his territory, and encamped before Figaruolo, a fortress of the
greatest importance. In pursuance of the design of the Florentines and
the king, the duke of Calabria, by the assistance of the Colonna family
(the Orsini had joined the pope), plundered the country about Rome
and committed great devastation; while the Florentines, with Niccolo
Vitelli, besieged and took Citta di Castello, expelling Lorenzo Vitelli,
who held it for the pope, and placing Niccolo in it as prince.

The pope now found himself in very great straits; for the city of Rome
was disturbed by factions and the country covered with enemies. But
acting with courage and resolution, he appointed Roberto da Rimino to
take the command of his forces; and having sent for him to Rome, where
his troops were assembled, told him how great would be the honor, if
he could deliver the church from the king's forces, and the troubles in
which it was involved; how greatly indebted, not only himself, but all
his successors would be, and, that not mankind merely, but God himself
would be under obligations to him. The magnificent Roberto, having
considered the forces and preparations already made, advised the pope to
raise as numerous a body of infantry as possible, which was done without
delay. The duke of Calabria was at hand, and constantly harassed the
country up to the very gates of Rome, which so roused the indignation
of the citizens, that many offered their assistance to Roberto, and
all were thankfully received. The duke, hearing of these preparations,
withdrew a short distance from the city, that in the belief of finding
him gone, the magnificent Roberto would not pursue him, and also in
expectation of his brother Federigo, whom their father had sent to him
with additional forces. But Roberto, finding himself nearly equal to the
duke in cavalry, and superior in infantry, marched boldly out of Rome
and took a position within two miles of the enemy. The duke, seeing his
adversaries close upon him, found he must either fight or disgracefully
retire. To avoid a retreat unbecoming a king's son, he resolved to face
the enemy; and a battle ensued which continued from morning till midday.
In this engagement, greater valor was exhibited on both sides than
had been shown in any other during the last fifty years, upward of a
thousand dead being left upon the field. The troops of the church were
at length victorious,