s, appeared on the walls
and let down scaling ladders over them. The hundred, employed as a
watch in the park, with some others who joined them, hasten up, climb
the walls, and without the knowledge of the rest of the army, try to
penetrate into the heart of the city. But the _landsknechts_ have
artillery, and they only their short weapons and their fiery courage.
Had not the narrow streets checked the former, the Confederates would
all have been slain. They try to conceal themselves for the moment
behind projections and sheltering walls; but then they suddenly rush
out, make themselves masters of two pieces, and turn them against the
enemy, who were thus gradually driven back. And now one of the
combatants mounts the wall, and proclaims victory and the capture of
the city. It is not believed; a stratagem is feared, and it is
forbidden to approach the wall. At last, encouraged by the prolonged
stentorian cry, some venture to climb up. The _landsknechts_ resist in
vain. They become wearied out and are driven into the river. Of 800,
only 50 are taken alive. Meanwhile the Confederates march through the
gate. The Venetian horsemen pursue the fugitives, but can only overtake
a few. Anon, a shout resounds through the city, 'Julius, the Swiss are
conquerors.' On the third day, the garrison of the castle surrenders.
Eight battering-rams, ten culverins, and ten pieces of smaller
artillery are among the trophies. Several had previously belonged to
the Venetians. And now at sight of them they embrace and wet them with
tears and kiss the escutcheon of St. Mark. So much had the disgraceful
loss pained them. The remaining towns send embassies and give in their
adherence to the Cardinal and the Confederates. Even Genoa is conquered
by the Spaniards, and Asti acknowledges, begging for peace with tied
hands, the power of the Holy League. All Italy, the seacoasts of
Liguria, and the Lombards are made free by the Confederates. 'We owe to
them,' they confess, 'what liberated Greece once owed to Titus
Quinctius.' The sound of the trumpet re-echoes through cities, towns,
and villages; and bells ring. Scholars, clergy and preachers proclaim
from the pulpit; 'Ye are God's people. Ye have humbled the enemies of
the Bride of the Crucified.' The army, tarrying some days in Pavia,
suppresses a rebellion, which I pass over, because the matter was
brought to a happy issue. Then messengers hasten to all parts, in order
to bring about a settlement of t