The "Ladies' Peace."

On the death of Louis XII., in 1515, the chivalrous duke, Francis of Angouleme, ascended the throne of France as Francis I. He was at the same time a candidate for the imperial throne of Germany; and, on the election of Charles V. to that honorable position, Francis became his enemy.

Four wars arose between these two monarchs, caused by the claims of each to the other's possessions in Italy, Navarre, and the Netherlands.

The second war between Charles V. of Germany and Francis I. of France was closed, in 1529, by the "Ladies' Peace" of Cambray, so called because it was negotiated by the aunt of Charles and the mother of Francis.

By this treaty, the King of France relinquished his pretensions to the duchy of Milan, and paid two million crowns for the ransom of his sons, who were held as hostages by the German emperor, retaining, however, possession of the dukedom of Burgundy.