Clement had done violence to his nature in forming the one bold resolution of his life. The question at stake was the deliverance of Italy, and perhaps of Europe, from the Caesarism against which the popes from Hildebrand onwards had incessantly made war, and which they had finally overcome. In 1526 for the last time a pope appeared as the representative of the Italian people, but this pope was the miserable Clement VII., who was incapable of anything more than spoiling by a petty and Medicean family policy the great aim set before him.

He reckoned on the superior strength of the league, the irritated patriotism of the Italians, and the rapid operations of 10,000 Swiss mercenaries. He made certain of victory. Milan was ready for revolt, conspiracies were afoot in Lodi, Cremona and Pavia. The Venetians, under their captain-general the Duke of Urbino, were to cross the Adda, and in June the papal forces under Rangone, Vitelli, Giovanni Medici and Francesco Guicciardini, lieutenant-general of the Pope, assembled at Piacenza. It was necessary to relieve the fortress of Milan as quickly as possible. The French fleet under Pedro Navarro, the papal under Andrea Doria were first to conquer Genoa and then to attack Naples. Thoughtful- minded men like Sadoleto and Castiglione, Nuncio in Spain, had counselled peace, but Clement and Giberti, who burned with hatred against the Emperor, desired war.