In the family interest he was withholding Modena and Reggio from Alfonso d'Este, and casting envious eyes on Ferrara.

In March, 1521, the French marched to seize some Milanese exiles, who were harboured at Reggio.[431] Leo took the opportunity to form an alliance with Charles for the expulsion of Francis from Italy.
It was signed at Worms on the 8th of May, the day on which Luther was outlawed;[432] and a war broke out in Italy, the effects of which (p.

154) were little foreseen by its principal authors.

A veritable Nemesis attended this policy conceived in perfidy and greed.

The battle of Pavia made Charles more nearly dictator of Europe than any ruler has since been, except Napoleon Bonaparte.