The two regents could do no less than obey the invitation which was really a command.

They took off necklaces, rings, and earrings.

Charles VIII gave them a receipt accurately drawn up, and pledged the jewels for 20,000 ducats.

Then, enriched by this money, he resumed his journey and made his way towards Asti.

The Duke of Orleans held the sovereignty of Asti, as we said before, and hither came to meet Charles both Ludovico Sforza and his father-in-law, Hercules d'Este, Duke of Ferrara.