ainst
Florence. Vitelli, at the same time, announced himself ready to return
to Cesare's service, but first he required some "honest security."

Well might it have pleased Cesare to oblige the Orsini to the letter,
and to give a lesson in straight-dealing to these shuffling Florentine
pedlars who sent a nimble-witted Secretary of State to hold him in play
with sweet words of barren meaning. But there was France and her wishes
to be considered, and he could not commit himself. So his answer was
peremptory and condescending. He told them that, if they desired to show
themselves his friends, they could set about reconquering and holding
Urbino for him.

It looked as if the condottieri agreed to this, for on October 11
Vitelli seized Castel Durante, and on the next day Baglioni was in
possession of Cagli.

In view of this, Cesare bade the troops which he had withdrawn to
advance again upon the city of Urbino and take possession of it. But
suddenly, on the 12th, a messenger from Guidobaldo rode into Urbino to
announce their duke's return within a few days to defend the subjects
who had shown themselves so loyal to him. This, the shifty confederates
accounted, must be done with the support of Venice, whence they
concluded that Venice must have declared against Valentinois, and again
they treacherously changed sides.

The Orsini proceeded to prompt action. Assured of their return to
himself, and counting upon their support in Urbino, Cesare had contented
himself with sending thither a small force of 100 lances and 200
light horse. Upon these fell the Orsini, and put them to utter rout at
Calmazzo, near Fossombrone, capturing Ugo di Moncada, who commanded
one of the companies, but missing Michele da Corella, who contrived to
escape to Fossombrone.

The conquerors entered Urbino that evening, and, as if to put it on
record that they burnt their boats with Valentinois, Paolo Orsini wrote
that same night to the Venetian Senate advices of the victory won.
Three days later--on October 18--Guidobaldo, accompanied by his nephews
Ottaviano Fregioso and Gianmaria Varano, re-entered his capital amid the
cheers and enthusiasm of his loyal and loving people.

Vitelli made haste to place his artillery at Guidobaldo's disposal for
the reduction of Cagli, Pergola, and Fossombrone, which were still held
for Valentinois, whilst Oliverotto da Fermo went with Gianmaria Varano
to attempt the reconquest of Camerino, and Gianpaolo Baglioni to