Florentines with themselves.



CHAPTER V

Francesco Sforza marches to assist the Venetians, and relieves
Verona--He attempts to relieve Brescia but fails--The Venetians routed
by Piccinino upon the Lake of Garda--Piccinino routed by Sforza;
the method of his escape--Piccinino surprises Verona--Description of
Verona--Recovered by Sforza--The duke of Milan makes war against the
Florentines--Apprehensions of the Florentines--Cardinal Vitelleschi
their enemy.

When their demonstrations of gratitude had subsided, the Venetian
senate, by the aid of Neri di Gino, began to consider the route the
count ought to take, and how to provide him with necessaries. There were
four several roads; one by Ravenna, along the beach, which on account of
its being in many places interrupted by the sea and by marshes, was not
approved. The next was the most direct, but rendered inconvenient by a
tower called the Uccellino, which being held for the duke, it would be
necessary to capture; and to do this, would occupy more time than could
be spared with safety to Verona and Brescia. The third was by the brink
of the lake; but as the Po had overflowed its banks, to pass in this
direction was impossible. The fourth was by the way of Bologna to Ponte
Puledrano, Cento, and Pieve; then between the Bondeno and the Finale
to Ferrara, and thence they might by land or water enter the Paduan
territory, and join the Venetian forces. This route, though attended
with many difficulties, and in some parts liable to be disputed by the
enemy, was chosen as the least objectionable. The count having received