"The Duke is dead, and I feel that this sad event has not only taken away all your happiness, but part of your own soul. I know the close intimacy in which you lived, nourished in your infancy at the same breast, and bound together in one heart and soul. But you must take comfort, remembering that His Excellency may well be called fortunate in his end. His wanderings began when he was barely six years old, and he was driven into exile before he was old enough to remember his native land. After so many wars and labours, after experiencing famine and sickness himself, and seeing the cruel misery and affliction endured by his subjects, he lived to see perfect tranquillity restored in his dominions, and to enjoy the passionate affection of all Milan. Now, secure in the friendship of Cæsar and the love of Italy, he has given back his spirit to God who gave it. Rejoice, therefore, and render praise and glory to Francesco Sforza's name, because by his wisdom and virtue he conquered fortune, and has died a Prince on his throne, reigning in peace and happiness over his native land. So, my dear lord, I beg you dry your tears, and meet those who love you as I do with a serene brow. The fame of your learning and greatness is known everywhere. Rise above the blows of fate, and console yourself with the thought of your Duke's blessed end. There lies His Excellency's corpse. Give it honourable burial, and I meanwhile will not cease to celebrate him dead and you who are alive."[127] FOOTNOTES: [79] Calendar of Spanish State Papers, ii. 146. [80] Schäfer, iv. 204, 209. [81] "Diarii," liii. 231. [82] Altmeyer, "Relations," etc., 298; Sanuto, lv. 389, 414. [83] Sanuto, lvii. 610, 637. [84] State Papers, Record Office, vii. 465. [85] M. Sanuto, lvii. 157; A. Campo, "Storia di Cremona," 107. [86] Lanz, ii. 87, 88. [87] Lanz, ii. 89. [88] Archivio di Stato, Milan, Carteggio Diplomatico, 1533. [89] Archivio di Stato, Milano, Carteggio Diplomatico, 1533. [90] Carteggio Diplomatico, 1533, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [91] G. M. Burigozzo, "Cronaca Milanese," 1500-1544, p. 516; "Archivio Storico Italiano," iii. (1842). [92] Potenze Sovrane, 1533-34, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [93] Autografi di Principi Sforza, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [94] Potenze Sovrane, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [95] State Papers, Record Office, vii. 545. [96] Potenze Sovrane, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [97] T. Coryat, "Crudities," i. 215; "Hardwick Papers," i. 85. [98] Potenze Sovrane, Archivio di Stato, Milan. [99] M. Guazzo, "Historie d'Italia," 272-275; P. Avenati, "Entrata Solemne di Cristina di Spagna"; MS. Continuazione della Storia di Corio, O. 240 (Biblioteca Ambrosiana). [100] C. Magenta, "I Visconti e gli Sforza nel Castello di Pavia," i. 750; Nubilonio, "Cronaca di Vigevano," 131. [101] MS. Continuazione di Corio, O. 240 (Biblioteca Ambrosiana).