This was the first victory of king Francis I. and was very marvellous it proved so great, considering how much he had been deceived in the Swiss by their treaty some days prior to the combat. It is worthy of remembrance,--for since the days of Julius Cæsar, this nation, so valorous in war, never lost in battle so many as sixteen thousand men. Louis XI. had defeated, when dauphin, a body of three or four thousand: a duke of Milan had also conquered a body of two thousand, which inclines me so much to exalt this victory of the king over enemies so determined and numerous, for thirty-six thousand men had marched out of Milan. Toward the end of the combat, a reinforcement of Venetians arrived, which the constable of Bourbon had gone to seek. The troops made all diligence, were well accoutred and ready for battle; but they found the Swiss defeated, and flying in all directions, for Como and Milan. The Venetians pursued the enemy, and showed themselves men of courage, particularly their commander, sir Bartholomew d'Alviano and the son of the count de Petigliano, who did wonders; but as he was attempting to leap a wide ditch, his horse fell upon him,--and he was surrounded and slain by the Swiss, for none were near enough to prevent them. The lord d'Imbercourt was also killed fighting valiantly; he had rushed among the ranks of the Swiss, like to an enraged wild boar, and was of a most warlike nature, with the intrepidity of a lion, as many can testify, who have seen him engaged on former occasions. Francis lord of Bourbon was inclosed by the Swiss and put to death, his men not being nigh to rescue him. The prince of Tallemont, the count de Sancerre, the lord de Bussi, the captain Mouy, with a very great number of lords and gentlemen of renown, whose courage had many times been displayed in war, were killed at this battle. During the engagement, neither baggage nor artillery were in danger of being taken, for they were excellently well defended by those who ran as much risk as others engaged in the main battle. Many were well mounted, so that, if fortune had been adverse, the poor adventurers might have been able to support their friends, and have renewed the fight. The king made, this day, several new knights. During the conflict, the cardinal of Sion fled, on seeing the quantities of dead, under pretence, as he told Maximilian Sforza, of bringing back reinforcements, but returned when too late.