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However, whether here or elsewhere, I shall be always ready to beg that you will dispose of me and all that pertains to me just as of all that might belong to your own subjects." Duke Charles of Savoy had scarcely exaggerated; he was no longer living in September, 1494, when Charles VIII, demanded of his widow Blanche, regent in the name of her infant son, a free passage for the French army over her territory, and she not only granted his request, but, when he entered Turin, she had him received exactly as he might have been in the greatest cities of France.

He admired the magnificent jewels she wore; and she offered to lend them to him.

He accepted them, and soon afterwards borrowed on the strength of them twelve thousand golden ducats; so ill provided was he with money.