Charles repelled them, because he wished to gratify the Pope, and knew that Florence remained staunch in her devotion to the French crown.

The old proverb, 'Lilies with lilies,' the white lily of Florence united with the golden fleur-de-lys of France, had still political significance in this day of Italian degradation.

Meanwhile Francis I.treated his faithful allies with lukewarm tolerance.

The smaller fry of Italian potentates, worshipers of the rising sun of Spain, curried favor with their masters by insulting the republic's representatives.

On their return to Florence, the ambassadors had to report a total diplomatic failure.