persuaded that, possessing nearly all the arms of Italy, under the
two principal generals, he could render himself sole ruler: but if
his holiness pleased, of the two principal generals whom he fancied
he possessed, one would become his enemy, and the other be rendered
useless; for, if money were provided him, and he were kept in pay, he
would attack the territories held of the church by the count, who being
compelled to look to his own interests, could not subserve the ambition
of Filippo. The pope giving entire credence to this representation,
on account of its apparent reasonableness, sent Niccolo five thousand
ducats and loaded him with promises of states for himself and his
children. And though many informed him of the deception, he could not
give credit to them, nor would he endure the conversation of any who
seemed to doubt the integrity of Niccolo's professions. The city of
Ravenna was held for the church by Ostasio da Polenta. Niccolo finding
further delay would be detrimental, since his son Francesco had, to the
pope's great dishonor, pillaged Spoleto, determined to attack Ravenna,
either because he judged the enterprise easy, or because he had a secret
understanding with Ostasio, for in a few days after the attack, the
place capitulated. He then took Bologna, Imola, and Furli; and (what
is worthy of remark) of twenty fortresses held in that country for the
pope, not one escaped falling into his hands. Not satisfied with these
injuries inflicted on the pontiff, he resolved to banter him by his
words as well as ridicule him by his deeds, and wrote, that he had only
done as his holiness deserved, for having unblushingly attempted to
divide two such attached friends as the duke and himself, and for having
dispersed over Italy letters intimating that he had quitted the duke
to take part with the Venetians. Having taken possession of Romagna,
Niccolo left it under the charge of his son, Francesco, and with the
greater part of his troops, went into Lombardy, where joining the
remainder of the duke's forces, he attacked the country about Brescia,