Andrea Doria, as soon as he became aware of
this latter action on the part of Francis, was thoroughly roused, and wrote
him the letter quoted below, which illustrates the fact that he was quite
aware of his own great importance in Europe. It was not a time in which men
held such language as did Doria on this occasion unless they were very sure
of themselves and their followers.
"GREAT PRINCE,
"It is an ill use of power to reverse order in human affairs. Genoa has
always been the capital of Liguria, and posterity will see with
astonishment that your Majesty has deprived it of this advantage with no
plausible pretext. The Genoese are well aware how inimical to their
interests are your projects with regard to Savona. They beg of you that
these may be abandoned, and that you will not sacrifice the general good
to the views of a few courtiers. I take the liberty to add my prayers to
theirs, and to ask of you this grace as the price of the services I have
rendered to France. Should your Majesty have been put to
expense, I shall join to my request the sum of forty thousand gold
crowns.
"With the humble duty of Andrea Doria,
Captain-General of the Galleys of France."
Theodore Trivulce, who held Savona for the King of France, was roundly told
by Doria that "the people of Genoa would never suffer the taking of Savona
by the King of France, as it had from time immemorial belonged to them,"
and added, "for myself I will sacrifice the friendship of the King in the
interests of my fatherland.
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