The remainder, in pretty good order along a high road, withdrew to Milan, whither they were pursued sword-in-hand." [_Histoire du bon Chevalier sans Peur et sans Reproehe,_ t.ii.

pp.

99-102.] The very day after the battle Francis I.wrote to his mother the regent a long account, alternately ingenuous and eloquent, in which the details are set forth with all the complacency of a brave young man who is speaking of the first great affair in which he has been engaged and in which he did himself honor.

The victory of Melegnano was the most brilliant day in the annals of this reign.

Old Marshal Trivulzio, who had taken part in seventeen battles, said that this was a strife of giants, beside which all the rest were but child's play.