and the republic ofcitizens unaccustomed to arms； both menced to enlist foreigners。The first who gave renown to this soldiery was Alberigo da Conio； anative of the Romagna。 From the school of this man sprang； among others；Braccio and Sforza； who in their time were the arbiters of Italy。 Afterthese came all the other captains who till now have directed the arms ofItaly； and the end of all their valour has been； that she has beenoverrun by Charles； robbed by Louis； ravaged by Ferdinand； and insultedby the Switzers。 The principle that has guided them has been； first； tolower the credit of infantry so that they might increase their own。 Theydid this because； subsisting on their pay and without territory； theywere unable to support many soldiers； and a few infantry did not givethem any authority； so they were led to employ cavalry； with a moderateforce of which they were maintained and honoured； and affairs werebrought to such a pass that； in an army of twenty thousand soldiers；there were not to be found two thousand foot soldiers。 They had； besidesthis； used every art to lessen fatigue and danger to themselves andtheir soldiers； not killing in the fray； but taking prisoners andliberating without ransom。 They did not attack towns at night； nor didthe garrisons of the towns attack encampments at night； they did notsurround the camp either with stockade or ditch； nor did they campaignin the winter。 All these things were permitted by their military rules；and devised by them to av