CHAPTER IV.

LOUIS XI. AND SIXTUS IV. SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR. Philip de Commines on the Condition of Florence—His Second Residence in Florence and Milan—Louis XI. and Italian Affairs—French Embassy to Rome—The Envoys and Sixtus IV.—The Pope’s Stipulations for Peace—Answer of the Florentines—Ineffectual Negotiations—Departure of the Envoys from Rome—State of Affairs in Naples and the Papal Court—Disorder in Milan—Conspiracy of Roberto da Sanseverino and the Brothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent—Seizure of …