One who did not conquer was Giovanni Acuto,( %) and since he did not conquer his fidelity cannot be proved; but every one will acknowledge that, had he conquered, the Florentines would have stood at his discretion.

Sforza had the Bracceschi always against him, so they watched each other.

Francesco turned his ambition to Lombardy; Braccio against the Church and the kingdom of Naples.

But let us come to that which happened a short while ago.

The Florentines appointed as their captain Pagolo Vitelli, a most prudent man, who from a private position had risen to the greatest renown.