Maximilian sent agents to the pope, to the Dukes of Milan and Florence, and to the King of Arragon, and formed a secret league to expel the French from Italy, and restore Ferdinand to Naples.

It was understood that the strength of France was such, that this enterprise could only be achieved through a long war, and that the allies must continue united to prevent France, when once expelled from Italy, from renewing her aggressions.

The league was to continue twenty-two years.

The pope was to furnish six thousand men, and the other Italian States twelve thousand.

Maximilian promised to furnish nine thousand.