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