On Whether or Not the King of France Should Make Peace with the Duke of Milan
This chapter discusses a peace treaty between the King of France, Charles VIII, and the Duke of Milan, following the king's attempt to claim dynastic rights over the Kingdom of Naples. Charles had passed into Italy in 1494, during which time the inability of the Italian states to coordinate their moves paved the way to an effortless campaign. The very ease with which the enterprise had been accomplished, however, induced the Italian states to take action. A large coalition was thus created in early 1495 to counter the French, and a few months later, Charles would engage in negotiations with the enemy coalition, especially the Duke of Milan. A truce was signed, which allowed for the evacuation of the French, and the Duke submitted a proposal for what amounted to a separate peace with the King of France, which is the subject of this chapter's debate.