In the spring, the Venetian and Milanese armies again took the field. It
was the design of the Milanese, first to recover Lodi and then to come
to terms with the Venetians; for the expenses of the war had become very
great, and they were doubtful of their general's sincerity, so that they
were anxious alike for the repose of peace, and for security against the
count. They therefore resolved that the army should march to the siege
of Carravaggio, hoping that Lodi would surrender, on that fortress being
wrested from the enemy's hands. The count obeyed, though he would have
preferred crossing the Adda and attacking the Brescian territory. Having
encamped before Caravaggio, he so strongly entrenched himself, that if
the enemy attempted to relieve the place, they would have to attack
him at a great disadvantage. The Venetian army, led by Micheletto,
approached within two bowshots of the enemy's camp, and many skirmishes
ensued. The count continued to press the fortress, and reduced it to the
very last extremity, which greatly distressed the Venetians, since they
knew the loss of it would involve the total failure of their expedition.
Very different views were entertained by their military officers
respecting the best mode of relieving the place, but they saw no
course open except to attack the enemy in his trenches, in spite of
all obstacles. The castle was, however, considered of such paramount
importance, that the Venetian senate, though naturally timid, and averse
to all hazardous undertakings, chose rather to risk everything than
allow it to fall into the hands of the enemy.

They therefore resolved to attack the count at all events, and early
the next morning commenced their assault upon a point which was least
defended. At the first charge, as commonly happens in a surprise,
Francesco's whole army was thrown into dismay. Order, however, was
soon so completely restored by the count, that the enemy, after various