The Venetians did not deserve his censure.

By allying themselves, in 1499, with Louis XII.

against the Duke of Milan, they did not fall into Louis's hands, for, between 1499 and 1515, and many times over, they sided alternately with and against him, always preserving their independence and displaying it as suited them at the moment.

And these vicissitudes in their policy did not bring about their ruin, for at the death of Louis XII.

their power and importance in Southern Europe had not declined.