I am very glad that the Count’s affairs at Citerna have been arranged not only to his satisfaction but in a way honourable to myself. Thank Virginio [Orsini] heartily from me, to whom we owe this. And as I understand he has arranged the affairs and interests of all the family except those of Organtino [Orsini, Clarice’s eldest brother] entreat him particularly also to arrange Organtino’s satisfactorily, making him understand that I regard the affairs of His Holiness as being my own. For the love of God, Baccio, bestir yourself with all your might in this matter, I am most anxious about it, particularly for love of Clarice. I long for peace at home as I see small reason to hope for it abroad.--December 3, 1486.[329] Messer Guidone Aldrovandini, _Ambassador from Ferrara to the Florentine Republic, to the_ Duke Ercole d’Este ... Milan has written the most amiable letters to this Illustrious Signoria about the affair of Sarzana, saying that they will expose their State and their persons if necessary in the service of Florence. These letters are explained by Milan having heard of the league between the Pope and the Venetians, and finding that she cannot draw the Pope on her side as she thought, she now tries to make friends here. The Illustrious Lodovico has also written a most loving letter to the Magnificent Lorenzo, saying that they have both erred, and suggesting that the past be set aside and a clean page begun, when the Magnificent Lorenzo will see that he will be a true and good brother; and that he will not believe the past has been forgotten unless some great service is demanded of him. These letters have been most acceptable to the Magnificent Lorenzo....--Florence, December 10, 1486.[330] ... Sarzana is being bombarded day and night by the Florentine troops, and it is hoped that S. Francesco will be theirs in two days, when Sarzana must fall. Some soldiers and officers have fled from the town and say the inhabitants are in great straits and have begun to eat the army biscuits, and that Messer Ettore Dal Fiesco, the commissary, is hated for his extreme cruelty. Two of the mortars of this Illustrious Signoria have burst. The Magnificent Lorenzo is at Pisa urging on the capture of Sarzana; he has sent the big mortar from Pisa, and pioneers in haste to the camp, whom he paid in advance as otherwise none would go....--Florence, June 7, 1487.[331] The Magnificent Lorenzo has gone himself to the camp before Sarzana to push on matters. S. Francesco has fallen....--Florence, June 9, 1487.[332] The Magnificent Lorenzo arrived here on the vigil of S. Giovanni (23rd June) and was received with more joy and caresses by the people than I can describe, as they say they owe the taking of Sarzana to him more than to others....--Florence, June 26, 1487.