are better where they are, than they were in this world. To conclude, in less than two years’ time there were five kings crowned in Naples; the three I have mentioned before, Charles VIII. of France, and Don Frederic[343], Alphonso’s brother, who now reigns. CH. XV.—How, after Ferrand the Younger was crowned King of Naples he encamped with his Forces at St. Germain, in order to oppose King Charles; and of the Agreement King Charles made with the Pope during his stay at Rome.—1495. Now for the better understanding of all these affairs, you must know that King Ferrand, after his coronation was over, became a new man, supposing all the odium and resentment of past injuries were buried in oblivion upon his father’s abdicating the throne. He assembled all the forces he could raise, both of horse and foot, and marched with them to St. Germain[344], which is a strong place, and easy to defend (though the French passed it twice), upon the frontiers of his kingdom. Having encamped there, and put a strong garrison, with all manner of provisions, into the town, his friends began to take heart. The town is defended in two ways, by a small river[345] that is fordable sometimes, and by a great mountain which seems to hang over it. The king in the meantime was at Rome, and continued there about twenty days, during which time several affairs of importance were transacted. There were with him about eighteen cardinals, and others from various parts; among whom there were the Lord Ascanio, vice-chancellor and brother to the Duke of Milan, and the Cardinal of St. Peter ad Vincula (great foes to one another, but mortal enemies to the Pope), the Cardinals of Gurce[346], St. Dennis[347], St. Severino[348], Savelly[349], Colonna, and others; all of them earnest for a new election, and that the Pope might be deposed, who was then in his castle. Twice our great guns were made ready to fire (as I have been told by several persons of quality); but both times the king in his mercy opposed it. The place is not defensible, being built upon a small hill, and that merely artificial. It was alleged that the walls had fallen down by miracle, and they charged his Holiness with having given money for the papacy, and they said the truth; but Cardinal Ascanio was the principal merchant, for it was he that drove the bargain and received most of the money, besides the house in which the Pope lived when he was vice-chancellor, with all the rich furniture, and his vice-chancellorship, and several other places of St. Peter’s patrimony besides; for they two were competitors for the popedom. However, I am of opinion they would both have consented to a new election at the king’s pleasure, though it had been to choose a Frenchman. I will not pretend to say whether the king acted well or ill, but I think his best way was to compose matters amicably, as he did; for he was a young man, and incapable of performing so important a work as the reformation of