f which
Giovanni had stripped him, a matter which so excited the resentment of
the latter that, when ultimately he returned to his dominions, one of
his first acts was to avenge it. Collenuccio, fearing that he might not
stand well with the tyrant, had withdrawn from Pesaro. But Giovanni,
with all semblance of friendliness, treacherously lured him back to cast
him into prison and have him strangled--a little matter which those who,
to the detriment of the Borgia, seek to make a hero of this Giovanni
Sforza, would do well not to suppress.

A proof of the splendid discipline prevailing in Cesare's army is
afforded during his brief sojourn in Pesaro. In the town itself, some
two thousand of his troops were accommodated, whilst some thousands
more swarmed in the surrounding country. Occupation by such an army was,
naturally enough, cause for deep anxiety on the part of a people who
were but too well acquainted with the ways of the fifteenth-century
men-at-arms. But here was a general who knew how to curb and control his
soldiers. Under the pain of death his men were forbidden from indulging
any of the predations or violences usual to their kind; and, as a
consequence, the inhabitants of Pesaro had little to complain of.

Justolo gives us a picture of the Duke of Valentinois on the banks of
the River Montone, which again throws into relief the discipline which
his very presence--such was the force of his personality--was able to
enforce. A disturbance arose among his soldiers at the crossing of this
river, which was swollen with rains and the bridge of which had been
destroyed. It became necessary to effect the crossing in one small
boat--the only craft available--and the men, crowding to the bank,
stormed and fought for precedence until the affair grew threatening.
Cesare rode down to the river, and no more than his presence was
necessary to restore peace. Under that calm, cold eye of his the men
instantly became orderly, and, whilst he sat his horse and watched them,
the crossing was soberly effected, and as swiftly as the single craft
would permit.

The duke remained but two days in Pesaro. On the 29th, having appointed
a lieutenant to represent him, and a captain to the garrison, he marched
out again, to lie that night at Cattolica and enter Rimini on the
morrow.

There again he was received with open arms, and he justified the
people's welcome of him by an immediate organization of affairs which
gave universal sati