found in the castles of Naples: the greater part of the last was transported to France. The lord d'Aubigny left Naples this month for Calabria, accompanied by his men-at-arms and a large body of Germans. The 15th of April, the king, after hearing mass in the church of the Annonciada, was confessed, and then touched and cured great numbers that were afflicted with the evil,-a disorder that abounded much all over Italy,-when the spectators were greatly edified at the powers of such an extraordinary gift. This day the lord Virgilio Orsini and the count of Petilano waited on the king for the first time since they had been made prisoners.

teen crowns.

The next day, which was Maunday-Thursday, the 16th of April, the king heard divine service in the church of St. John, a handsome building, and attended (as if in France) on thirteen poor persons, who were washed and waited on at dinner, and presented with thirThe sermon was preached on that and the two following days by master Pinelli, a doctor of divinity in the university of Paris. On Easter-day, the 19th of April, the king was confessed in the church of St. Peter, adjoining to his lodgings, and then touched for the evil a second time; after which he heard mass in the church of St. John, and in the evening a sermon by doctor Pinelli. Wednesday, the 22nd, the king went to see the tiltings, the lists for which had been erected near to a church founded by the Anjou race of kings of Sicily, where were many of the nobility and ladies of Italy. These justings lasted from Wednesday until the 1st of May: the holders of them were Châtillon and Bourdillon, and the assailants were very numerous, and excellent deeds of arms were done on each side.

On Sunday, being the feast of St. Januarius, the king heard mass in the cathedral or church of St. Januarius, where many cardinals, bishops, and prelates attended. The head of St. Januarius was publicly displayed to the king, and some of his blood in a glass bottle: it was congealed like a stone, as the king proved by touching it with a small rod of silver; but no sooner was it placed near to the head than it began instantly to melt and become liquid, to the astonishment of many who viewed this miracle. The prelates of the church said, that by means of this miraculous head and blood of St. Januarius, they were made acquainted with the success of their petitions to God; for when their prayers had been propitious, the blood became liquid,--but when otherwise it remained hard. They were likewise by this means informed as to the dispositions of their prince, and whether he was to reign over them or not, which seemed very extraordinary.

On Monday, the 4th of May, the king sent Jean du Bois, Fontaines, and the master of the household de Bresse, to make an inventory of all the stores, and other effects, in the Castel del Ovo,-for there appeared to be such quantities of provision, and of other things, that the value seemed inestimable. During this time, the king visited several places in the neighbourhood of Naples; such as the grotto which Virgil had pierced with such subtile art through a high mountain on the sea-shore of Naples, which is a wonderful thing, as there is no other road but through this subterraneous passage, as all who have seen it can testify. A little further on is the Solfaterra, where sulphur is made,—and there are natural fires beneath the surface that are always burning: the king saw them make sulphur. There are, likewise near, many springs of hot water as well as of cold; and in a valley of this mountain is a hole through which comes such an impetuous wind that it supports in the air stones, and pieces of wood, that are thrown into it,—and it is said that the heat is very great within this hole. The king visited another remarkable spot where alum is made, and saw the whole process. Near to this last place is a cavern having a deadly quality; for whatever is thrown in perishes instantly, as was proved before the king on an ass and cat, which, on being thrown in, were suddenly killed". The king, having seen all that was most curious returned to Naples for the night.

*This must be the Grotto del Cane, not far from the Solfaterra. Although small animals perish, yet I doubt

whether an ass could be thrown in, or would be so suddenly killed.

CHAPTER CCVI.-KING CHARLES MAKES HIS PUBLIC ENTRY INTO NAPLES, AS KING OF THAT COUNTRY AND MONARCH OF ALL ITALY.

TUESDAY, the 12th of May, the king, having heard mass in the church of the Annonciada. left Naples after dinner for Poggio Reale,-where all the princes and nobles of France and Italy were assembled, to accompany him in his public entry into Naples, as king of France, Sicily, and Jerusalem. He was dressed in royal robes, and made a most splendid and triumphant entry, and thenceforward was called Charles Cæsar Augustus. In his right hand was the globe, and his sceptre in the left, and his mantle was of fine scarlet trimmed with ermine, having a deep fall-down collar, ornamented with ermines' tails also, with a brilliant crown on his head. The horse he rode was as grandly caparisoned as possible, to suit his state and over his head was borne a splendid canopy by the highest nobility of Naples, who were surrounded by the king's valets richly dressed in cloth of gold: the provost of the household with his archers on foot attended on him on each side. The seneschal of Beaucaire represented the constable of Naples,-and the lord de Montpensier preceded him, handsomely mounted, and dressed as viceroy and lieutenant-general of Naples.

The prince of Salernum was present, together with the great lords of France, of the blood royal, and knights-companions of the king's order; such as, the lord de Bresse, the lord de Foix, the lord de Luxembourg, the lord de Vendôme, and others without number, all dressed in mantles like to what the king wore. In short, the entry was most magnificent; and the nobility of Naples, with their ladies, presented to the king their children of ten, twelve, and fifteen years of age, requesting of him to make them knights, which he did with his own hand, and it was a splendid spectacle. The prelates and clergy came out to meet him in the richest copes, bearing relics, and conducted him to the cathedral, where on the high altar were displayed, as before, the head and blood of St. Januarius. In front of the altar, the king swore to protect his new subjects, and to preserve them in their liberties and privileges, which gave universal satisfaction,-and great rejoicings were made on this occasion, and also for his happy arrival, and the great good he had promised them.

The king was, after this, conducted to his palace, where, during several days, he received embassies from different parts of his kingdom; such as Calabria, La Puglia, L'Abruzzo, to do homage, and to inquire respecting the manner in which they were to be governed by a viceroy when the king should be absent, as was natural for them. On Monday, the 18th of May, the king ordered a grand supper to be prepared at the Castel Nuovo, where he gave a sumptuous banquet, to his princes and nobles, seated at two tables, in the great hall of the castle, to which was an ascent by several stone steps. The grand seneschal of Naples served the whole of the supper, superbly mounted, and clothed in white, with abundance of trumpets and clarions sounding. After supper, the king received the homage of all the lords, and then returned to sleep at his palace.

CHAPTER CCVII.-KING CHARLES MAKES DISPOSITIONS TO RETURN TO FRANCE, AND TAKES LEAVE OF HIS SUBJECTS IN NAPLES.

WEDNESDAY, the 20th of May, the king, having heard mass with great solemnity at the church of the Annonciada, dined at the palace; after which, the nobility of Naples waited on him to take leave. They were assembled in the great hall, where the king received them graciously, and kindly bade them adieu! at the same time, he presented to them the lord de Montpensier, as their viceroy and governor during his absence. When this was done, the king departed from Naples, attended by a gallant company of lords and gentlemen, men-atarms, Swiss and Germans, and slept that night at Aversa, on his return to France.

CHAPTER CCVIII.-KING CHARLES RETURNS FROM NAPLES TO FRANCE.

THE king, as I have said, left Naples on the 20th of May, and halted at Aversa. On the 21st he marched from Aversa to Capua. On the morrow, he dined and slept at the bishop's palace in Sezza*; and on the Saturday, as he was about to enter Gaieta to refresh himself, the castle fell down and obstructed the road, so that he returned to Sezza,-but on the Sunday, when the damages had been repaired, he proceeded and lay at Monte Cassino. Thence he passed to Ponte-corvo, to Cyprienne, and to Fiorentino, a small city, then under an interdict from pope Alexander, because the inhabitants had murdered and cut off the arms of their bishop, who was a Spaniard, for having been obstinate in supporting king Alphonso against the king of France. This latter would not have been able to have heard mass that day, if he had not before had full powers given him to order the celebration of the mass in all places, according to his good pleasure. On Friday, the 29th, the king advanced for the night to Valmontone, wherein were many who hated the French, because they had destroyed and burned Monte-Fortino: nevertheless, he proceeded to Marina the next day, and halted there till Sunday. On Monday the 1st of June, the king re-entered Rome, on his return to France, and was lodged in the palace of the cardinal de St. Clement, near to St. Peter's. He was grandly accompanied by his nobles, gentlemen-pensioners, men-at-arins, cross-bowmen, Swiss and Germans; and because pope Alexander was absent, he posted his men in different parts of the town, to check any insolence of the Romans. Having done this, he went to St. Peter's, to return his thanksgivings to God. On Wednesday, he left Rome, dined at Isola, and lay at Campanolle. Friday he advanced to Ronciglione, and the same day entered Viterbo with his whole army, where he was as well received as before. He remained in Viterbo until Whitsunday was passed, to perform his devotions, and visit the body of St. Rosa. On the 8th of June, the king supped and lay in the town of Monte Fiascone, celebrated for its muscadine wines,-and thence, continuing his march through La Paille and other places, arrived at Sienna, the inhabitants of which came out to welcome him, magnificently dressed, and with the same ceremonies as at the first of his coming thither. The king marched from Sienna on the 17th of June for Poggiobondi, where he lay, and stayed the following morning, on account of its being the feast of the holy sacrament, and attended the procession to high mass with great devotion. After dinner he advanced to Château Florentin,-and on the morrow he dined at Campane, near to Florence; but he did not enter Florence on his return, for, under pretence of being in the French interest, the town of Pont-Velle had been taken.

Saturday, the 20th of June, the king entered Pisa, where he was received with every honour and submission. He stayed there two days, and on the Tuesday following dined at Pommart, and slept at Lucca, where, in return for his handsome reception, he took the town under his protection. He marched through Pietra Santa, and arrived, on the Saturday, at Sarsaignet, where he had intelligence of the junction of the duke of Milan with the Venetians. For this reason, he would not sleep at Villa Franca, but encamped his army on the other side of the river, where he supped, and waited for the arrival of his artillery, and the rear of his army. 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 Apennines, and there remained until his artillery had passed the mountains. The lord de la Tremouille 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 3rd of July, and the following day, the king crossed the Apennines, 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§, where he formed his plan for the order of battle, with a main body, a van and reserve, and having the usual guards established.

* Sezza,-twenty-nine miles N.N.w. of Naples.

The pope had fled to Orvieto, conscious of having deceived the king, and fearful of consequences.

Sarsaigne. Q. Sarsana?

§ Foronuovo,-eight miles from Parma.

CHAPTER CCIX.-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 menat-arms, to meet from fifty to sixty thousand Lombards, Venetians, Estradiots *, 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.

When the French army had been properly arranged, and the artillery was ready, they began to advance toward the enemy in such wise as the ground served them. The Italians, not knowing in what division of the army the king had posted himself, sent a herald, under pretence of asking something from him, and the herald, on his return, told them the manner in which the king was accoutred. They now began to move, and taking advantage of a favourable situation, discharged a heavy piece of artillery at the van of the French, which wounded and killed several, although it did not break their ranks, nor cause any great confusion. A sharp cannonading followed; but the king's artillery did great mischief to the enemy, and killed one of their principal cannoneers, as was known from a trumpeter that was soon after made prisoner. The king's artillery was so well served that the Italians were forced to retreat, having noticed the excellent order in which the French were formed.

It was wonderful to observe the cool and determined valour of the gallant king, both in actions, and in speeches to those about his person:-"How say you, my lords and friends? Are you not resolved to serve me well to-day? and will you not live and die with me?" Then having heard their answers, he continued, "Be of good courage, and not afraid; for although they be ten times our number,-which is the case, as I know for certain,-yet we have justice on our side, for which I put my confidence in God, that he will be pleased to give us the victory over our enemies. I have also hopes that he will fight this day on our side, and that, through his gracious favour, we shall again triumph, as we have done throughout the whole of this expedition, and return to France with honour to ourselves, through his merciful kindness." Such, or nearly similar, were the words with which this valorous king consoled and encouraged all around him. The enemy were much surprised at the good order of the French; and to endeavour to break it, they sent a detachment of Estradiots, and some Albanians, across a hill, to fall on the baggage. Those who had the guard of it, had been very negligent in not keeping themselves in readiness to resist an attack, by reason of some dispute among themselves, for which they suffered; but it was not much, as shall be told hereafter,—and the army remained unbroken.

The Italians, seeing this, sent a herald to the king to demand a truce. The king replied,— "If they wish for a truce, let them meet me between the two armies." But he afterward sent to them, to say, that if they would, through friendship, allow him and his army a free passage to France, it was all he wanted, otherwise he would force his passage in spite of

* Estradiots, a sort of light horse, or a militia. Francis III., fourth marquis of Mantua, of the house

of Gonzaga.

Hercules d'Este, first duke of Modena.

them. The Lombards and Venetians hearing this message from the king's herald, detained him, and resolved instantly to charge the French, like madmen. They were particularly desirous to attack the division where the king was, to put him to death,—but God was that day his Protector. The advanced guard perceiving the enemy thus hastily marching, informed the king of their gaining the woods and bushes; on which he crossed the bed of the Taro, and each army was in sight of the other. In fact, the Italians were handsomely equipped and mounted, and advanced with the appearance of a determined courage, as they were far superior in numbers to the French. Their best men were placed in front,-and the first onset was very severe on both sides. As they had been informed by their herald how the king was dressed, their chief attack was made on his division, and with such success, that they advanced to his person; but he displayed great valour, and was so heartily seconded by those near him, that the enemies were completely repulsed, with immense slaughter; even the boldest among them attributed their highest honour to him who could fly the fastest; for when they saw the day was lost, the best piece of all their armour was the point of their spurs.

Only one man of rank was made prisoner on the side of the French, namely, Matthew bastard of Bourbon*, who had most valiantly defended the king; and he was taken when pursuing the enemy up to their lines. Not more than nine or ten French gentlemen were killed, although their enemies were ten to one against them, the greater part of whom saved themselves by flight. This proves, beyond a doubt, that Divine Providence assisted the French, and gave them the victory over their disloyal enemies, who were conquered in so very short a space of time. The king remained the whole of the day armed and on horseback. and until the whole of his army had retired within their camp. Thither came ambassadors to him from the Italians, to demand the prisoners; but they were answered, that they should not be restored,-which astonished them greatly, as they feared that some of their first nobility had been either killed or made prisoners. The king and his nobles, in sign of triumph and victory, supped and lay on the field of battle,-where they ate and drank what they could find, and as it pleased God, to whom they gave their most humble thanksgivings and praises for their success, as indeed they were bounden to do.

CHAPTER CCX.-THE KING DECAMPS FROM FORONUOVO, TO RETURN TO FRANCE.

On the morrow of the battle of Foronuovo, the 7th of July, the king, after hearing early mass, decamped from before Foronuovo, and posted his army on an elevated situation called Magdelan, about half a French league from his late camp, where he remained the whole day. The commanders of the artillery made such diligence in bringing up the cannon that they were placed round the king, as was usual in such cases. The king marched away on the Wednesday with his army and artillery, and repassed several towns wherein he had halted on his advance to Naples, notwithstanding the attempts of the enemy to prevent it. He came at length to Novara, and delivered the duke of Orleans, who had been shut up in that town, with a party of his men, by the traitor Ludovico of Milan. Thence the king proceeded to Asti and to Vercelli, where the duke of Orleans came to meet him. The king received him with much friendship, and they supped together.

On Friday, the 2nd of October in this year, the lord de Vendôme died in the town of Vercelli. His death was much lamented by the king and his nobles, for he was a notable prince. The following Tuesday, the king had a funeral service performed with much solemnity in the cathedral church dedicated to St. Eusebius, where great grief was manifested by all the assistants; and afterward his body was transported to France, to be interred among his ancestors.

* Matthew lord of Roche, eldest of the bastards of cardinal of Vendôme. 3. Anthonia, wife of Claude duke John II. duke of Bourbon.

His surviving children were:-1. Charles first duke of Vendôme, the father (by Frances de Longueville duchess of Beaumont) of Anthony king of Navarre. 2. Louis,

of Guise. 4. Louisa, abbess of Fontevraud. 5. Francis, lord of St. Pol, a title which he inherited from his mother, the eldest daughter of Peter, son of the constable.