Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/306

282 282 ITALIAN WARS. PART circumstances, artillery was held in so little repute, '- that some of the most competent Italian writers thought it might be dispensed with altogether in field engagements.^^ The French, on the other hand, were provided with a beautiful train of ordnance, consisting of bronze cannon about eight feet in length, and manj smaller pieces. ^^ They were lightly mounted, drawn by horses, and easily kept pace with the rapid movements of the army. They discharged iron balls, and were served with admirable skill, intimidating their enemies by the rapidity and ac- curacy of their fire, and easily demolishing their fortifications, which, before this invasion, were con- structed with little strength or science. ^^ The rapid successes of the French spread con- sternation among the Italian states, who now for the first time seemed to feel the existence of a common interest, and the necessity of efficient con- cert. Ferdinand was active in promoting these dispositions, through his ministers, Garcilasso de la Vega and Alonso de Silva. The latter had quitted the French court on its entrance into Italy, and sn.rzftjeai- wlthdrawu to Genoa. From this point he opened oils ol the r -l a correspondence with Lodovico Sforza, who now began to understand, that he had brought a terrible engine into play, the movements of which, however 34 Guicciardini, Istoria, torn. i. French gave to their pieces, as a pp. 45, 46. — Machiavelli, Arte novelty at that time in Italy. Is- (iella Guerra, lib. 3. — Da Bos, toria, pp. 45, 46. Liffue de Cambray, ubi supra. 36 Giovio, Hist, sui Temporis, 3^ Guicciardini speaks of tiie lib. 2, p. 42. — MachiaveUi, Arte name of "cannon," which the della Guerra, lib. 7. oils of the I'lench.