_Eugenius IV. raised to the pontificate—His persecution of the
Colonnas—He offends the duke of Milan—Ill success of the pontifical
army in Germany—Poggio foresees the disasters of the papal troops—His
consolatory letter to cardinal Julian—Julian’s answer—Poggio’s
reply—Angelotto, cardinal of St. Mark—Meeting and proceedings of the
council of Basil—Poggio attempts to persuade Julian to desert the
council—Violent proceedings of that assembly against the pontiff—The
ecclesiastical states invaded by Francesco Sforza and Niccolo
Fortebraccio—Poggio again attempts to gain Julian over to the interests
of the pontiff—Eugenius accedes to the wishes of the council—Insurrection
in Rome—Flight of Eugenius—Poggio taken captive, and obliged to ransom
himself by a sum of money—He repairs to Florence._