nd the expulsion of Frederick; a plan which the politicians of that,
age regarded as the most egregious imprudence in the French monarch,
and the greatest perfidy in the Spanish. Frederick, supported only by
subjects who were either discontented with his government or indifferent
about his fortunes, was unable to resist so powerful a confederacy, and
was deprived of his dominions: but he had the satisfaction to see Naples
immediately prove the source of contention among his enemies. Ferdinand
gave secret orders to his general, Gonsalvo, whom the Spaniards honor
with the appellation of the "great captain," to attack the armies of
France, and make himself master of all the dominions of Naples. Gonsalvo
prevailed in every enterprise, defeated the French in two pitched
battles, and insured to his prince the entire possession of that
kingdom. Lewis, unable to procure redress by force of arms, was obliged
to enter into a fruitless negotiation with Ferdinand for the recovery of
his share of the partition; and all Italy, during some time, was held in
suspense between these two powerful monarchs.

There has scarcely been any period when the balance of power was better
secured in Europe, and seemed more able to maintain itself without any
anxious concern or attention of the princes. Several great monarchies
were established; and no one so far surpassed the rest as to give any
foundation or even pretence for jealousy. England was united in domestic
peace, and by its situation happily secured from the invasion of
foreigners. The coalition of the several kingdoms of Spain had
formed one powerful monarchy, which Ferdinand administered with arts,
fraudulent indeed and deceitful, but full of vigor and ability. Lewis
XII., a gallant and generous prince, had, by espousing Anne of Brittany,
widow to his predecessor, preserved the union with that principality,
on which the safety of his kingdom so much depended. Maximilian, the
emperor, besides the hereditary dominions of the Austrian family,
maintained authority in the empire, and, notwithstanding the levity of
his character, was able to unite the German princes in any great plan of
interest, at least of defence. Charles, prince of Castile, grandson to
Maximilian and Ferdinand, had already succeeded to the rich dominions of
the house of Burgundy; and being as yet in early youth, the government
was intrusted to Margaret of Savoy, his aunt, a princess endowed with
signal prudence and virtue.