To Venice Louis said-- "If you will unite with me, I will assist you in annexing to your domains the city of Cremona, and the Ghiaradadda." Lured by such hopes of plunder, Venice was as eager as the pope to take a share in the piratic expedition.

Louis then sent to the court of Turin, and offered them large sums of money and increased territory, if they would allow him a free passage across the Alps.

Turin bowed obsequiously, and grasped at the easy bargain.

To Florence he said, "If you raise a hand to assist the Duke of Milan, I will crush you.

If you remain quiet, I will leave you unharmed." Florence, overawed, remained as meek as a lamb.