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CHAP. VI.

LORENZO endeavours to secure the peace of Italy-Rise of the modern idea of the balance of power-Conspiracy of Frescobaldi-Expulsion of the Turks from Otranto-The Venetians and the pope attack the duke of Ferrara-Lorenzo undertakes his defence-The Florentines and Neapolitans ravage the papal territories—The duke of Calabria defeated by Roberto Malatesta -Progress of the Venetian arms-Sixtus deserts and excommunicates his allies-Congress of Cremona-Death of Sixtus IV.-Succeeded by Giambattista Cibò, who assumes the name of Innocent VIII.—Lorenzo gains the confidence of the new pope-The Florentines attempt to recover the town of Sarzana-Capture of Pietra-Santa -Lorenzo retires to the baths of S. FilippoThe pope forms the design of possessing himself of the kingdom of Naples-Lorenzo supports the king-Prevails upon the Florentines to take a decided part-Effects a reconciliation between the king and the pope-Suppresses the insurrection at Osimo-Capture of Sarzana-Lorenzo protects the smaller states of Italy-The king of Naples infringes his treaty with the pope-Peace again restored-Review of the government of Florence-Regulations introduced by LorenzoProsperity of the Florentine state-Highreputation of Lorenzo-General tranquillity of Italy.