A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Bona
BONA, an Italian Peasant in the Valteline, Died 1466.
While this young woman was tending her sheep, she was met by Peter Brunoro, a Parmesan officer of note, who remarking her vivacity and noble mien, took her with him as his mistress. He delighted to be accompanied by her to the chase, and all manly diversions. She went with him to serve the great Sforza, against Alphonso, king of Naples, his first master. He afterwards entered again into the service of the latter; but, being one of those roving spirits by which the age of chivalry is characterised, he sought again to return to Sforza; was discovered in the attempt, and sent to prison. Resolute to deliver him, Bona engaged the princes of Italy, the king of France, the duke of Burgundy, and the Venetians, to give her letters to Alphonso, soliciting his freedom. At such instances he was obliged to grant him his liberty, which he not only obtained through the means of Bona, but the command of the Venetian troops, with 20,000 ducats.
Considering the obligations she had conferred upon him, Brunoro married her; and she ever afterwards combated with him. She learned the art of war to perfection, which appeared on many occasions, where she displayed equal valour and prudence. In fine, the Venetians confided jointly to this heroic pair the defence of Negropont against the Turks, who were kept quiet by the fame of their valour. On the death of Brunoro, Bona, returning to Venice, died on the way, leaving two children.