CHAPTER IV.

LOUIS XI. AND SIXTUS IV. SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR.

Philip de Commines on the Condition of Florence—His Second

Residence in Florence and Milan—Louis XI. and Italian

Affairs—French Embassy to Rome—The Envoys and Sixtus

IV.—The Pope’s Stipulations for Peace—Answer of the

Florentines—Ineffectual Negotiations—Departure of the

Envoys from Rome—State of Affairs in Naples and the Papal

Court—Disorder in Milan—Conspiracy of Roberto da Sanseverino

and the Brothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent—Seizure

of Pisa—Recommencement of the Conflict in the Valley of the

Chiana—War in Perugia—Discord in Florence—Enterprise of

Sanseverino and Ludovico Sforza against Milan—Ludovico Sforza

il Moro Governor-General in Milan—Blowing up of the Florentine

Head-quarters at Poggibonzi in the Valley of the Elsa—Cessation

of Hostilities 371