jump to article content
cover image forThe Works of Niccolò MachiavelliA Past Masters Commons title.

The Works of Niccolò Machiavelli

The Historical, Political, and Diplomatic Writings of Niccolò Machiavelli, vol. 4: Diplomatic Missions 1506-1527

MISSIONS. (CONTINUED.)
SECOND MISSION TO FRANCESCO GUICCIARDINI.
LETTER XVIII.
Niccolo Machiavelli (Machiavelli, Niccolo)
10 April, 1527
Furli

LETTER XVIII.

Magnificent Signori, etc.: —

I wrote to your Lordships day before yesterday. The enemy did not stir yesterday. Bussi and Cotignola have capitulated, and the enemy must have found sufficient provisions there to feed on for a little while. They are still in a position to be able by a single day’s march to lay siege to any one of the three places, Furli, Faenza, and Imola. It is now twelve o’clock and they have not stirred yet, nor do we know whether they intend doing so to-day.

We are most anxiously awaiting that truce, and it is regarded by every one here as a great necessity for us. I recommend myself to your Lordships, quæ bene valeant.

Servitor
Niccolo Machiavelli.
Furli, 10 April, 1527.