Francesco Sforza entered the capital as conqueror in 1450, and was proclaimed Duke.

He never obtained the sanction of the Empire to his title, though Frederick III.

was proverbially lavish of such honors.

But the great Condottiere, possessing the substance, did not care for the external show of monarchy.

He ruled firmly, wisely, and for those times well, attending to the prosperity of his states, maintaining good discipline in his cities, and losing no ground by foolish or ambitious schemes.