Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/183

157 THE FRENCH DRIVEN FROM NAPLES. 157 the complete reestablishment of their commercial chapter XV relations and intercourse, with the exception of 1— Naples, from which the French were to be exclud- ed. The Spanish crown was to have full power to reduce all refractory places in that kingdom ; and the contracting parties solemnly pledged themselves, each to render no assistance, secretly or openly, to the enemies of the other. The treaty, which was to run from the 25th of February, 1504, was signed by the French king and the Spanish plenipoten- tiaries at Lyons, on the 11th of that month, and ratified by Ferdinand and Isabella, at the convent of Santa Maria de la Mejorada, the 31st of March following.^^ There was still a small spot in the heart of Na- caiiantryof ■i Louis d'Ars. pies, comprehending Venosa and several adjoining towns, where Louis d'Ars and his brave associates yet held out against the Spanish arms. Although cut off by the operation of this treaty from the hope of further support from home, the French knight disdained to surrender ; but sallied out at the head of his little troop of gallant veterans, and thus, armed at all points, says Brantome, with lance in rest, took his way through Naples, and the centre of Italy. He marched in battle array, levying con- tributions for his support on the places through which he passed. In this manner he entered France, and presented himself before the court at Blois. The king and queen, delighted with his 25 The treaty is to be found in Anales, torn. v. lib. 5, cap. 64. — Dumont, Corps Diplomatique, torn. Machiavelli, Leoazione Seconda a iv. no. 26, pp. 51-53. — Zurita, Francia, let. 9, Feb. 11.