CHAPTER XXIII

1495

Proclamation of the new league against France at Venice--Charles VIII. at Naples--Demoralization of the victors--Charles leaves Naples and returns to Rome--The Duke of Orleans refuses to give up Asti--Arrival of the imperial ambassadors at Milan--Lodovico presented with the ducal insignia--_Fêtes_ in the Castello-- The Duke of Orleans seizes Novara--Terror of Lodovico--Battle of Fornovo--Victory claimed by both parties--The French reach Asti-- Isabella's trophies restored by Beatrice 266

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