The king left his camp, at Villa Franca, on the 30th of June, to hear mass at a large monastery near to Pontremoli; for the Germans had burnt that town, in revenge for the murders of some of their countrymen by the inhabitants, on their march to Naples. After dinner, the king encamped at the foot of the Appenines, and there remained until his artillery had passed the mountains. The lord de la Trimouille and Jean de la Grange were charged with this business,--and although there were plenty of hands they had great difficulties, on account of the rocks. On the 3d of July, and the following day, the king crossed the Appenines, and passed through Verceil and Cassano, and encamped his army near to Borgo de Taro, where he lay, under the security of strong guards. Sunday, the 5th of July, the king heard mass in his camp, and dined at Foronuovo[7], where he formed his plan for the order of battle, with a main body, a van and reserve, and having the usual guards established. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 4: Sezza,--29 miles NNW. of Naples.] [Footnote 5: The pope had fled to Orvieto, conscious of having deceived the king, and fearful of consequences.] [Footnote 6: Sarsaigne. Q. Sarsana?] [Footnote 7: Foronuovo,--eight miles from Parma.] CHAP. V. THE BATTLE OF FORONUOVO, WHERE THE KING OF FRANCE GAINS A COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE CONFEDERATED PRINCES OF ITALY. On Monday the 6th of July, in the year 1495, the french army was encamped adjoining to the valley of Taro, about two miles from Foronuovo, and four from Parma. Thence marched that gallant prince, Charles VIII. of the name, king of France, accompanied by those valiant captains before mentioned, and about eight or nine thousand courageous men at arms, to meet from fifty to sixty thousand Lombards, Venetians, Estradiots[8], and others, his enemies. The marquis of Mantua was commander of the Venetians: count Galeas Sforza was the representative of his brother, Ludovico duke of Milan, and the lord of Ferrara commanded the rest of the traitors, in company with other captains. The king was armed from head to foot in a manner becoming so great a prince. Over his armour he wore a jacket, with short sleeves, of a white and violet colour, besprinkled with crosses of Jerusalem. His helmet was magnificently ornamented with feathers,--and he was accoutred like a good man at arms, with sword, dagger, spear and battle-axe. He was mounted on a powerful black horse, called Savoy, whose caparison was of the same colours with the king's jacket, and besprinkled with similar small crosses. The king was surrounded by very able and trusty advisers to direct him, having under them about two thousand men, who afterwards gave good proofs of their valour.