New occasions of war in Italy—­Differences between the marquis of Ferrara, and the Venetians—­The king of Naples and the Florentines attack the papal states—­The pope’s defensive arrangements—­The Neapolitan army routed by the papal forces—­Progress of the Venetians against the marquis of Ferrara—­The pope makes peace, and enters into a league against the Venetians—­Operations of the League against the Venetians—­The Venetians routed at Bondeno—­Their losses—­Disunion among the League—­Lodovico Sforza makes peace with the Venetians—­Ratified by the other parties.

The invasion of the Turks had deferred the war which was about to break forth from the anger of the pope and the Venetians at the peace between the Florentines and the king.  But as the beginning of that invasion was unexpected and beneficial, its conclusion was equally unlooked for and injurious; for Mahomet dying suddenly, dissensions arose among his sons, and the forces which were in Puglia being abandoned by their commander, surrendered Otranto to the king.  The fears which restrained the pope and the Venetians being thus removed, everyone became apprehensive of new troubles.  On the one hand, was the league of the pope and the Venetians, and with them the Genoese, Siennese, and other minor powers; on the other, the Florentines, the king, and the duke, with whom were the Bolognese and many princes.  The Venetians wished to become lords of Ferrara, and thought they were justified by circumstances in making the attempt, and hoping for a favorable result.  Their differences arose thus:  the marquis of Ferrara affirmed he was under no obligation to take salt from the Venetians, or to admit their governor; the terms of convention between them declaring, that after seventy years, the city was to be free from both impositions.  The Venetians replied, that so long as he held the Polesine, he was bound to receive their salt and their governor.  The marquis refusing his consent, the Venetians considered themselves justified in taking arms, and that the present moment offered a suitable opportunity; for the pope was indignant against the Florentines and the king; and to attach the pope still further, the Count Girolamo, who was then at Venice, was received with all possible respect; first admitted to the privileges of a citizen, and then raised to the rank of a senator, the highest distinctions the Venetian senate can confer.  To prepare for the war, they levied new taxes, and appointed to the command of the forces, Roberto da San Severino, who being offended with Lodovico, governor of Milan, fled to Tortona, whence, after occasioning some disturbances, he went to Genoa, and while there, was sent for by the Venetians, and placed at the head of their troops.