CHAPTER XXIX. 1499

1499

Treaty of Blois--Alliance between France, Venice, and the Borgias-- Lodovico appeals to Maximilian--His gift to Leonardo and letter to the Certosa--The French and the Venetians invade the Milanese-- Desertion of Gonzaga and treachery of Milanese captains--Loss of Alessandria--Panic and flight of Duke Lodovico--Surrender of Pavia and Milan to the French--Treachery of Bernardino da Corte and surrender of the Castello--Triumphal entry of Louis XII 337