CHAPTER II.

THE WAR OF FERRARA.

Dispute of Venice with Ferrara—The Allies of Both—Beginning of the Campaign at the Po—Preparations in Rome—Sixtus IV.’s Oppression—Proposals to Louis XI.—Battle of Campomorto—Danger of Ferrara—Bad Management of the War—Threat of a General Council against Sixtus IV.—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Participation in the same—The changed Policy of Sixtus IV.—Sixtus IV.’s Agreement with his Adversaries—Lorenzo de’ Medici as Florentine Plenipotentiary at the Peace Congress of Cremona—Opposition of Venice and Continuation of the War—Ludovico il Moro and the Affairs of Milan—Lorenzo do’ Medici and Ludovico il Moro—Ludovico il Moro on Milan Affairs—Ludovico’s Negotiation with Venice—The Peace of Bagnolo—Unfavourable Conditions for Ferrara—Death of Pope Sixtus IV.—Confused State of Politics—Città di Castello and Siena—The Sarzana Controversy—Occupation of Pietrasanta 197