" He is engaged by the Medici to arm for their restoration to Florence 370 " Failure of the expedition 370 " His illness at Bibbiena 370 1499. He adopts his nephew Francesco Maria della Rovere, as heir of the dukedom 371 1498. April 7. Death of Charles VIII. 372 " " Succeeded by Louis XII. 372 " His views upon Italy 372 " State of parties there 372 " Ambition of Alexander to secure to Cesare a sovereignty 373 " His ecclesiastical orders annulled, and his embassy Sept. 17. to Paris with the King's divorce 373 " " 28. Letter of the Pope to Louis 374 " By whom Cesare is created Duke Valentino 375 " He aspires to the crown of Naples 375 " His magnificence 375 1499. Again rejected by a Neapolitan princess 375 " His intrigues as to Louis' divorce 375 " A new league against the French proposed 376 " The marriage of Duke Valentino 376 " Oct. 6. The French conquer Lombardy and enter Milan 377 " Guidobaldo's visit to Venice, and condotta by the June. Signory 377 CHAPTER XVII 1499. Valentino's schemes upon Romagna 379 " Its condition, as detailed by Sismondi 379 " Strictures upon his views 383 " Valentino marches upon Imola 384 " Our last notice of Caterina Riario Sforza 384 " Dec. 31. He takes that town, and goes to Rome 385 1500. Ludovico il Moro carried captive to France 385 " The prodigality of the Borgia 386 " Supplied by sacrilege and simony 387 " Oct. 27. Cesare, supported by the French, seizes Pesaro 388 1501. April 22. And Faenza; murder of its princes 389 " He is made Duke of Romagna 389 " Sismondi's eulogy on his administration 389 " Imitating Machiavelli and Filosseno 390 " But contradicted by Sanuto 391