History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent
Niccolo Machiavelli · en
commissaries proceeded with their operations, and instances of valor
occurred on both sides. The siege being protracted by a variety of
fortune, Lorenzo de' Medici resolved to go to the camp, and on his
arrival the troops acquired fresh courage, while that of the enemy
seemed to fail; for perceiving the obstinacy of the Florentines' attack,
and the delay of the Genoese in coming to their relief, they surrendered
to Lorenzo, without asking conditions, and none were treated with
severity except two or three who were leaders of the rebellion. During
the siege, Lodovico had sent troops to Pontremoli, as if with an
intention of assisting the Florentines; but having secret correspondence
in Genoa, a party was raised there, who, by the aid of these forces,
gave the city to the duke of Milan.
At this time the Dutch made war upon the Venetians, and Boccolino of
Osimo, in the Marca, caused that place to revolt from the pope, and
assumed the sovereignty. After a variety of fortune, he was induced to
restore the city to the pontiff and come to Florence, where, under the
protection of Lorenzo de' Medici, by whose advice he had been prevailed
upon to submit, he lived long and respected. He afterward went to Milan,
but did not experience such generous treatment; for Lodovico caused him
to be put to death. The Venetians were routed by the Dutch, near the
city of Trento, and Roberto da S. Severino, their captain, was slain.
After this defeat, the Venetians, with their usual good fortune, made
peace with the Dutch, not as vanquished, but as conquerors, so honorable
were the terms they obtained.