On Military Matters

...to choose him as their commander against the massive forces of Pope Sixtus IV and the most illustrious King Ferdinand Ferdinand I of Naples, also known as Ferrante. These forces were pressing heavily upon all of Tuscany, which was about to breathe its last had the renowned Roberto not been present. He was a man distinguished by his virtue, knowledge of military science, and authority. At Lake Trasimene, he turned Matteo of Capua, the leader of the army, into flight. The remaining soldiers were forced to pass under the yoke original: "sub iugum," a Roman custom where defeated soldiers walked under a spear to symbolize their submission, the most shameful mark of defeat. He was indeed a man most worthy of his arms and his character. As the supreme commander of the soldiers for the most serene Venetian Empire, he was eventually and most gloriously appointed by the votes of the entire Senate to save the hills of Rome and the Roman Church.

I pray that all Christian people may now hear and understand the wounds of the Roman Church, which were then almost fatal. The most wise Duke of Calabria Alfonso II of Naples had already arrived, intending to overturn the city of Rome. Roberto Malatesta ran to help, just like the ancient heroes Papirius Cursor, Furius Camillus, Publius Decius, Curius Dentatus, and Valerius Publicola These were famous generals from early Roman history known for saving the Republic from its enemies. By order of the most serene Venetian Senate, which is accustomed to constantly preserving the Church, he forced the Duke of Calabria—who was threatening so greatly—to flee in a pitched battle The Battle of Campomorto, fought in August 1482. He captured the enemy camp with a most glorious victory. He cast down their banners and plundered their baggage. He led four hundred distinguished leaders and soldiers back to Rome in triumph, weighed down with spoils and military standards. Upon his arrival, Pope Sixtus embraced him. The Pope praised and marveled at him, having been liberated from such great dangers.

But the illustrious leader Roberto, exhausted by the extreme labors of the conflict and the heat of that day, fell ill. He departed from this life due to a flow of blood original: "sanguinisque profluuio," likely referring to the dysentery or fever Roberto contracted after the battle. He is now a candidate among the saints, destined to receive a laurel that remains forever green. The grateful and most pious Pope, mourning him before his death, decided to visit him. The Pope granted him a large and indulgent pardon. He purged the true savior of the Church from the stain of earthly decay and sent him to a heavenly triumph. Thus Roberto Malatesta died in Rome in the fortieth year of his age. He was a leader overflowing with military praise. He was buried in the church of Saint Peter, carried there amidst public mourning.

Someone might ask: why write these things? It is so that they might commit to literary monuments the memory of such a great prince, whom the Venetian Senate and all of Italy mourn. It is also so that you, Pandolfo, burning with the magnificent examples of your ancestors and imitating your father's virtue, may be driven more sharply toward the glory of virtue. Finally, it is so that by reading this work—which has been accurately corrected—you may recognize that we, the Ramusio family, are most devoted to you and are the heralds of your family's praises.