ian states, who were deeply
interested in these events, had been held in the most anxious suspense
with regard to the resolutions which Francis should take after the
recovery of his liberty; and Clement, in particular, who suspected that
this prince would never execute a treaty so hurtful to his interests,
and even destructive of his independency, had very frankly offered him a
dispensation from all his oaths and engagements. Francis remained not in
suspense; but entered immediately into the confederacy proposed to him.
It was stipulated by that king, the pope, the Venetians, the Swiss,
the Florentines, and the duke of Milan, among other articles, that they
would oblige the emperor to deliver up the two young princes of France
on receiving a reasonable sum of money; and to restore Milan to Sforza,
without further condition or encumbrance.

The king of England was invited to accede, not only as a contracting
party, but as protector of the "holy league,"--so it was called; and
if Naples should be conquered from the emperor, in prosecution of this
confederacy, it was agreed that Henry should enjoy a principality in
that kingdom of the yearly revenue of thirty thousand ducats; and that
cardinal Wolsey, in consideration of the services which he had rendered
to Christendom, should also, in such an event, be put in possession of a
revenue of ten thousand ducats.

Francis was desirous that the appearance of this great confederacy
should engage the emperor to relax somewhat in the extreme rigor of the
treaty of Madrid; and while he entertained these hopes, he was the
more remiss in his warlike preparations; nor did he send in due time
reenforcements to his allies in Italy.

{1527.} The duke of Bourbon had got possession of the whole Milanese,
of which the emperor intended to grant him the investiture; and having
levied a considerable army in Germany, he became formidable to all the
Italian potentates; and not the less so because Charles, destitute, as
usual, of money, had not been able to remit any pay to the forces. The
general was extremely beloved by his troops; and in order to prevent
those mutinies which were ready to break out every moment, and which
their affection alone for him had hitherto restrained, he led them to
Rome, and promised to enrich them by the plunder of that opulent city.
He was himself killed, as he was planting a scaling ladder against the
walls; but his soldiers, rather enraged than discouraged by his