Yet there in 1402 he sickened.

A comet appeared in the sky, to which he pointed as a sign of his approaching death--'God could not but signalize the end of so supreme a ruler,' he told his attendants.

He died aged 55.

Italy drew a deep breath.

The danger was passed.
The systematic plan conceived by Gian Galeazzo for the enslavement of Italy, the ability and force of intellect which sustained him in its execution, and the power with which he bent men to his will, are scarcely more extraordinary than the sudden dissolution of his dukedom at his death.