The Story of the Chevalier Bayard

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 Excerpt: ...himself. A few months after the great event just recorded, Philibert de Clermont, Lord of Montoison, died at Ferrara, of a fever, which carried him off in a few days. He was lieutenant-general of the French army in Italy, and one of the greatest captains of his age. He distinguished himself greatly in Picardy, Bretagne, Lombardy, and the kingdom of Naples. He had gained great advantages over the Swiss, particularly at the Lake of Como. He was praised amongst other qualities for the singular precision he showed in deciding the number of a hostile army, however far it might be from him. The king was full of regret at his death. He looked upon him as the first of his captains, and feared that his death would occasion a revolt in the duchy of Milan. He was much regretted by the Duke and Duchess of Ferrara, and by all the officers, both French and Italian; but Bayard wept for him, his particular friend and his countryman.1 If the deliverance of La Bastia was glorious happiness for the French, it was equally intolerable misery to the pope, who was furious when he received news of it. He swore to be avenged, and wished to go immediately and lay siege to Ferrara; but his generals tried by all means in their power to turn him from his intention. His nephew, the Duke of Urbino, especially was loud in dispraise of such a proceeding, as he wished to see his uncle reconciled to the king of France. They represented to him that the place was strong in itself, well furnished with artillery, and full of good officers, of whom the invincible Bayard was one; that he would not only lose his men, but have great difficulty in obtaining ammunition and provisions. Julius, obliged to give up the idea of taking the place by force, plotted to have it by surprise, making use of spies ...