CHAPTER XII

1481. Sixtus combines with the Venetians against Ferrara 258

" Federigo declines their offers, and vainly inculcates peace 259

1482. He is engaged to command the League in defence of April 17. Ferrara 259

" " 23. His departure for the campaign 260

" Description of the seat of war 261

" May 3. War declared by Venice 262

" " 11. The Venetians besiege Ficheruolo 262

" " 4. Federigo's letter to Lorenzo de' Medici 262

" " He goes to Milan and Mantua for reinforcements 264

" " 20. Returns to La Stellata 264

" June. Fatal effects of malaria 264

" " 29. Ficheruolo taken 265

" Ferrara hard pressed, but obstinately defended by July. Federigo 265

" His appeal to the Pontiff, who perseveres in his " schemes of nepotism 265

" " Lawless condition of Rome 266

" " Federigo attacked by fever, and relapses 266

" " He resigns his command, and retires to Ferrara 267

" Sept. 10. Prepares for death and expires 267

" " Simultaneous death of Roberto Malatesta 269

" " Character of Duke Federigo, by Poggio Bracciolino 270

" " By Francesco di Giorgio 270

" " By Pirro Pirotti and Cyrneo 271

" " By Vespasiano 272

" " Anecdotes preserved by him 273

" " His military commands 282

" " His funeral 283

" " His body subsequently exposed 283

1482. Notice of his portrait, by Piero della Francesca, with his Countess 284

" By Mantegna, with his son 285

" By an unknown artist 286

" By Fra Carnevale 287

" By Justus of Ghent 288

" By an unknown artist 288

" His children and their marriages 289