Allies and Opponents of the Florentines—The Duke of Urbino on Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Political Situation of Milan and Venice—Florentine Preparations—The Papal and Neapolitan Forces—The Valley of the Chiana—Commencement of the Campaign at Montepulciano—Brief of Pope Sixtus IV. to the Florentines—Lorenzo de’ Medici before the Council—Opposition of the Clergy to the Curia—Official Vindication of the Republic—Reply of Pope Sixtus IV. to the Florentine Document—Death of Donato Acciaiuoli—Revolt in Genoa in the Interest of the Brothers Sforza and King Ferrante—War in the Valley of the Chiana—Bad Condition of the Florentine Troops—Gian Jacopo Trivulzio—Siege and Capture of Castellina in Chianti—Ercole of Este Captain-General of the Florentines—Wretched Management of the War—Loss of Monte San Savino—Unfavourable Position of the Florentines—Lukewarm Assistance from the Allies—Plans for the Second Campaign 356 CHAPTER IV. LOUIS XI. AND SIXTUS IV. SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR. Philip de Commines on the Condition of Florence—His Second Residence in Florence and Milan—Louis XI. and Italian Affairs—French Embassy to Rome—The Envoys and Sixtus IV.—The Pope’s Stipulations for Peace—Answer of the Florentines—Ineffectual Negotiations—Departure of the Envoys from Rome—State of Affairs in Naples and the Papal Court—Disorder in Milan—Conspiracy of Roberto da Sanseverino and the Brothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent—Seizure of Pisa—Recommencement of the Conflict in the Valley of the Chiana—War in Perugia—Discord in Florence—Enterprise of Sanseverino and Ludovico Sforza against Milan—Ludovico Sforza il Moro Governor-General in Milan—Blowing up of the Florentine Head-quarters at Poggibonzi in the Valley of the Elsa—Cessation of Hostilities 371 CHAPTER V. FLORENCE AND HER ALLIES. LODOVICO IL MORO. Unfavourable Condition of Florence—Lorenzo’s Position—King Louis XI. and Italian Intrigues—Negotiations between King and Pope—Necessity, for Lorenzo, of an Agreement—Diplomatic Transaction with Lodovico il Moro—Lodovico’s Character and Position—Lodovico il Moro as Governor—Lodovico on the Condition of the Florentines—Advice for an Arrangement with Naples—Filippo Strozzi’s Mission to Naples—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Resolve on a Journey to Naples—Departure for Pisa and Bada 386 CHAPTER VI. LORENZO DE’ MEDICI IN NAPLES. PEACE WITH KING AND POPE.