Orsino That of Aldo Manutio who passed to a better life at green yeers consisting of 80 thousand Books We must observe though that Fulvio Orsino in the yeer 1600. added his to the Library of the Pope And that Ascanio Colonna never enough to be praised bought that of Sirleto for 14 thousand Crownes deputing to it intelligent Keepers with honest stipends that it may rather dayly increase then at all diminish The great Duke of Florence his noble Library is known to have good numbers of Greek Books and that of Urbino of Mathematical Writers That of the Malatesti is in Cesena in the Minorites Convent In Bologna that of the preaching Fathers In Venice that of the Republique In Padoua is that of Gio Vicenzo Pinello famous enough but le ts return to the Libraria Vaticana 'T is certainly concluded that the Gentiles usually preserved their Books in the publique Libraries as well as private t is no less evident that the Catholick Church from Christs time to ours had alwaies in divers places sacred Libraries to advantage students wherefore St. Augustine in the Narration which he makes De persecutione Arrianorum in Ecclesia Alexandrina saies that in the Christian Churches there were Libraries and that with the greatest care they preserved their Books and accuseth the impiety of the Arrians amongst other things for their taking away and burning the Books of the Church Saint Jerome likewise makes mention of the same Libraries when writing to Pamachius by his Books against Jovinianus he saies that he kept in the Churches Libraries Eusebius also in his 119 Book at the 11 Chapter writeth that the Church had holy Books in the Oratories and that in Dioclesians dayes to the end the name of Christian might be wholly extinguished the Oratories were overthrowen and the books burnt nor does there want conjectures hereof from the holy Scripture for that Saint Paul writing to Timothy commands him to transport with himself his Books to Rome chiefly those in parchment and in the first to the Corinthians he testifies that in the Corinthian Churches they used to read the Prophetick books Eusebius in his 5 book of the Ecclesiastical history at the 10th Chapter saies that the Apostle Saint Eartholomew going to prea ch the gospel to the Indians left there the Gospel of Saint Matthew writ by his own hand Which very copy Origene afterwards found in the Indies and from thence carryed it as Saint Jerome averrs to Alexandria when he also brought from the East the Canonical books of the old Testament Lastly the Hebrews diligently conserved their sacred books and on every Sabbath read the Books of Moses in their Synagogues wherefore t is reasonable enough to believe that the Christians have alwaies observed their rule of diligently copying and preserving the prophetick books those of the Apostles and those of the Evangelists But the places where these books were layed up were not alwaies called by the same name but sometimes Archiviunt a Treasury of Rolls scrinium a Coffer where evidences were kept Bibliotheca or Libraria a Bibliotheque or Library as in se veral Authors appears Then indubitably they used to lay up in places deputed to that purpose the Memorials of greatest importance the Books of the Bible of the old and new Testament and the Books of the holy Fathers many whereof written by their own Authors through this means have reached our times and will continue to future Ages if God soplease And because the collecting and conserving those books required a great expence as well in writers as Inquisitors and conservators therefore the richest Christians cōmonly contributed every one some proportion and part as a common stock for the Church to have the same effected And in particular we have great obligation to the Emperor Constantine the Great who as Eusebius recounts in his third Book of his life without regard to the vast expence made it his business to collect and secure the sacred Books which in the times of the persecutions the Gentiles had wholy dispersed After which the gathering keeping and choosing Books was particularly the charge of the Bishops and Priests for which end they were wont to maintain Notaries Stationers and Women exercised and skilled in writing as may be gathered from the life of Ambrosius and of Origene Among all other Collectors of Books Pantenius the Master of the Alexandrian School is esteemed the most diligent likewise Pamfilo the Priest and Martyr as Eusebius relates instituted and governed with great industry a fair Library placing there the Books of Origene and such other good Books as he could get written by the hand of which Caesarean Library St. Jerom against Rufinus takes notice Furthermore Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem got together a good quantity of Books as of Betillus Hippolitus Caius and other Ecclesiastical writers and with them composed a worthy Library as Eusebius testifies who also confesseth himself to have been assisted by the said Alexander in his own Ecclesiastical History And not to omit the diligence of some of later times in the like work le ts remember that Pope Clement the first successor to St. Peter who wrote many Epistles profitable to the Roman Church deputed seaven Scriveners in the seaven praecincts of Rome who were maintained out of the Churches Revenne for no other thing then diligently to search out and write the Acts of the martyrs And Anicetus the Pope made it his business to find out a secure place for the laying up the lives of the Martyrs wrote by those Scriveners Pope Fabianus ordained seaven Deacons for supervisors to those Notaries to take the better care in executing the charge of collecting and true recital of the Martirs lives Of which Scriveners the Actions of the Roman Councel under Silvester give good testimony Pope Julius successor to Marcus who followed Sil. determined that the said Notaries abovenamed should diligently gather together whatever appertained to the amplifying and fortifiing of the holy Catholick Faith that all the things by them writ should be revised by the Primicerio or chief created to that purpose who afterwards was to place and keep in the Church what he had approved Pope Hilary was the first known that built a Library who erected two near the Founts of the Laterano wherein for that in those times there were but few Books and they at great price because wholly written by the hand he caused the writings of the Roman Church the decretal Epistles of Popes the Actions of the Counsels the recantations and opinions of the Hereticks and the Books of the holy Fathers to be layed up and preserved for the publique use of the Christians But to return to our purpose of the Vatican Library we must know that beside the abovenamed Libraries the Popes used so great diligence in collecting books as they put together one greater than the two former in the Popes Palace on the Laterano which remained there about one thousand yeers till Clement the 5th translating
Show places in Rome were Il Massimo l'Agonio Il Flaminio that of Nero and that of Alexandre The memorable Porticues or open Galleries Denomminations ensue Il Pompeio Il Corinthio della Concordia della Libertà di Augusto di Severo di Panteo di Metello di Constantino di Q Catullo del Foro di Augusto di Trajano di Livia del circo Massino di Nettuno di Quirino di Mercurio di Venere Cricina di Ottavio Iulia and that called Tribunale Aurelio The famous Collumnes were Lo Rostrata la Lattaria la Bellica la Menia those of Trajan of Caesar of Antonius pius and those in the Porticue of Concordia The Piramides these one in the Circo maximo one in the Campo Martio one in the Mauseolo or rich Tombe of Augustus one of the Sun of the Araceli of the Moon of the holy Trinity of the Vatican of Saint Petre and of San Mauro which flankes the Roman Colledge In Rome were three Colossus one of Nero another of Apollo a third of Mars and two other Pyramides one of C Celtius another of Scipio Also some places called Naumachie appointed for Naval Fights as large as the Circus Maximus and were called of Domitian Nero and Caesar. The proud Fabricks named Settezonii were two the one of Severus which Pope Sextus the 5th caused to be overwhelmed the other of Titus Some Horses were erected composed of several Materials as of Marcus Aurelius of Antoninus in the Campidoglio of Domitianus of L. Verus Trajanus Caesar. Constantinus of Fidia and of Prasitelle in the Quirinale or Monte Cavallo The Names of such as have writ of the Famous things in ROME THese following Authors have wrote of the City ROME P. Vittore wrote of the Parts of the City Aristides sofista in Greek an Oration in praise of Rome but the more modern are Giusto Lipsio Lucio Fauno Bartolameo Marliano lately set forth with Prints Lodovico Demonciosi in a Book intitled Gallus hospes de Urbe printed at Rome Poggio a Florentine Fabriccio Varriano Flavio Biondo Rafael Volaterrano Francesco Albertini Rucellai Sorlio Giacomo Boissardo Mauro Andrea Fulvio Rosino Panuino Vuolfango Lazio Of the modern state and greatness of Rome under the Popâ—…s Flavio Biondo Thomaso Bosio Eugubino and Thomaso Stapletono an English Man have at large discoursed Of the seven Churches of Rome Onofrio Panuino who wrote also of the burying places M. Attilio Serrano and Pompeio Augonio the Roman Library keeper in the vulgar Tongue and of the other Churches Lorenzo Schradero Sassone in the second Book of his Memorials of Italy Of the times and impresses of the Consuls and Emperors Cassiodorâ—… a Roman Senator Marcellino Vettor Tanunense Gioanni Cuspiniano Carlo Sigonio Onofrio Panuino Stefano Pighio whose History is beautified with figures and Uberto Golizio who did the same with the Meddals Passing by the Antient Greek and Latine Authors These ensuing have wrote the Histories of the Roman Emperours viz. Plutark Dion Herodian Iulianus Caesar Ammianus Lampridius Spartianus Aurelius Victorius with others who have been often reprinted Also the Images of those Emperours were treated of and published by Uberto Glotzio Hiperbolita Giacomo Strada Mantoano Sebastiano Orâ—…zo and others moreover the Images of the said Emperours and their wives were stamped in Copper by Levino Hulsio Gandavese in Spire Furthermore the Lives of the Emperours were set forth in Verse by Ausonio Borgidolense Gia Micillo and Orsino Velio Of the Columnes of Rome Pietro Giacone Alfonso Chianone and Pietro Gallesino the one of the Rostrata or Pulpit bedecked with beaks of Ships in the Campidoglio the second of that of Trajan the third of that of Antoninus Of the Acqueducts and Waters entring Rome Sesto Iulio Frontino Aldus Manutius and Giovanni Servilio of the Acqua Virgine wrote Duca the Roman Legist Of the increase and Augmentation of the Tyber Lodovico Gomesio and Giacomo Castiglione Of the Magistrates of Rome Pamponeo Leto Andrea Dominico Flano whose works are erroneoufly attributed to Fenestela Carlo Sigonio Giovanni Bofino in his seventh Book of the Roman Antiquities and Giachâ—…mo Perionio of the Provinces Marian Scoto and Guido Pancirolo Of the Senate Aulo Gellio Giovanni Zamosio Great Chansellor of Polonia and Paul Manutius Of the Comitia or Assemblies of the People for electing Officers Nicolo Grucchio Carlo Sigonio and Giovanni Rosino in his 6th Book of the Roman Antiquities Of the Judges Valerius Maximus in his 7th Book and Giovanni Rosino in his 7th Book of the Antiquities of Rome Of the High Priests Andrea Dominico Flacco Pomponeo Leto and Rosino aforenamed Of the times of their Festivals and of their Games Ovidius Naso Lidius Geraldus Rosinus and Iosephus Scaliger in his Book De Temporum emendatione Of the Triclinia or Supping Parlours or their Banquets and manner of sitting at Table Pietro Chiacon Toletano Fulvio Orsino a Roman Ramusio De quaesitis per Epistolam and Andrea Baccio De vini Natura Of the sharp pointed Steeple erected by Sixtus the 5th Pietro Angelo Barba Pietro Galesino Michel Mercator and Giovanni Servilio Of the Theatre and Amphitheatres Iustus Lipsius and Giovanni Servilio in his first Book of the wonderfull works of the Antient Of the Roman Militia Polibius Iustus Lipsius Giovanni Antonio Valerinâ—… Giovanni Servilio in 30. lib. De mirandis Carlo sigonio and Giovanni Rosino Of the Provinces Sextus Rufus in his Breviary and Carlo Sigonius of the Colonies Sextus Iulius Frontinus Onofrio Panuino and Carlo Sigonio Of the Ciphers or Figures of the Antient Valerius Probus the Author of that tenth Book added to Valerius Maximus of the Roman surnames whereof also Sigonius hath writ Panuinus and others Of the antiquity of the Edifices and the ruines of Rome Carolus Sigonius in his Book De antiquo Iure Civium Romanorum Paulâ—…s Minutius who wrote also of the Laws of Rome as did Antonius Agostinus aud others The Figures of Romes Antiquities were stamped in Brass by Antonio Salamanca and others The Tablets in brass likewise by Onofrio Panuino and others The Statues in Rome were published by Giovanni Giacomo Boissardo and others The Images of the illustrious Persons were taken from the Marble figures and printed by Achille Statio a Portuguese and Theodore Galleo by whom also were set forth the lively Visages of the modern illustrious Italians as also of the nine learned Greeks who being taken at Constantinople first brought the Greek letters into Italy and afterwards conveyed the same into Gallia aud those parts beyond the Alpes The old Inscriptions on Marble and other stones in Rome and elsewhere were divulged by Pietro Appiano Maritino Smetio Fulvio Orsino and divers others The Epitaphs on Christians Tombs are collected by Lorenzo Scradero a Saxon and by Chitreus in his Book of delight in travails Of the Roman wonders Ubertus Glothzius hath wrote an ample Book which also comprehends the Inscriptions and meddals of Apulia and Sicilia Sebastiano Erizzo and others The Lives of the Roman Chief Bishops and Popes were
weigh in qualified persons all their Actions all their words all their Vestments and habits to their very feet and so the Bridegroom praising his Spouse in the Canticles sets down as a great concern that having fair shoes she walked graciously Tertullian in his Book of the habits of women puts a difference between Culto Neatness and Ornamento Ornament saying that neatness consists in the quality of the Vests as of Gold Silver and the like habiliments but that Ornament consists in the disposition of the parts of that body which wears it Then the Roman Bishops who rconcile and make Peace by way of their Letters and Ministers to all Nations to the great astonishment of all have obtained and pursued the one and the other of the aforenamed parts that is to say Neatness and Ornament Furthermore the sign of the Cross is made on the forehead and Breasts of the faithfull to the end that as Augustine saith upon the 30th Psalm they may not fear to confess the faith and having overcome the Devil they may carry the Banner of their Victory in their forehead therefore also is the same signe worne upon the feet of the Pope that he by that sign may be directed in that good way through which he is to lead all the People of God thereby to shew unto the Pope that to him was given this holy priviledge to be our guide by means of the Cross wherein saith Saint Austin in the 10th Sermon de Sanctis Tom 10 are contained all the Mysteries and all the Sacraments he fortifies as we may say his feet with the Cross to the end that he shewing the way and we walking in it none may wander from good thoughts It may also be said that the Pope bears a Cross upon his feet that in all persecutions and dangers all his people may recur securely to his Feet where remedy may be had to overcome the difficulties and doctrine to oppresse heresies if need require as t is written in Deutronomy at the 33d Chapter Qui appropinquat pedibus accepit de doctrina ejus Weighing all which considerations with their foundation in the passion of Christ very rationally have the Popes placed this signe upon their feet to evidence these mysterious significations Which is so antient and firm that in the old Images we see no Pope drawn or carved who hath not also the cross upon his Feet from which considerations it appears manifestly that the perverse and wicked Hereticks of our times are in a great error for expressing their dislike of the Popes wearing a Cross upon his feet saying that t is an undervaluation and want of due reverence payed to the Cross. For answer whereunto by their favour Is it not true that as Cirillus in 3. Tomo contra Julianum saies the old usage was to paint Crosses on the entrances into houses and that as Nazianzenus in his oration against the same saies on the garments of the Souldiers were signed Crosses come from heaven and that the Church to succor dying persons with spiritual help used to mark their feet with the signe of the Cross and that t was usual to mark the bodies of beasts with the Cross as saies Sainctus Severus de Morbibus bono and San Chrysostome in his demonstration Quod Deus sit homo Did they not mark the houses the publick places the Vests the Armories and finally divers other usual things with the Cross as Leoncio Cipriottio against the Jews declares to the end that in every place and in every action we may rub up our drowsie memories with the passion of Christ our Lord And shall we afterwards say that it expresseth little reverence to the Cross in placing it upon the feet of Christs Vicar by which we not only are minded of the passion of our Saviour when we behold it but intend that thereby is signified that we ought not alone to submit to the Cross and tread down all worldly passions which to the purpose are expressed in Scripture with the name of feet but also for the Love of the passion of Christ to esteem at nought what ever happens under the Moon The which cannot be so well signified by placing the Cross in any other places but on the Feet of the Pope to kiss which all the faithfull strivingly run together GIOVANNI STEPHANO to the purpose of the Exaltation of the Pope speaks after this manner The Reason wherefore they carry his Holiness upon Mens Shoulders T Is not from the purpose to say somewhat of the Lifting up of the Pope since that all old Authors when they speak of the Creation of any King or Emperour say that he was elevated and it may be that Claudianus speaks to this sense Sed mox cum solita miles te voce levasset Nor was this the custom of the Barbarous Nations only but even of the Romans themselves who having chosen any One for their Emperor lifted him on high and carryed him upon their Shoulders so saies Ammianus Marcellinus in his 22 book speaking of Julianus made Emperor by the Souldiers of France so sets forth Cornelius Tacitus in his 20 book and the same likewise speaks Cassiodorus of the Goths in his 20th Book Variacum Epist. 31. This custom Adon of Vienna manifests in the sons of Clotharus Julianus Capitolinus speaking of the Giordani and Herodian in his seventh book treating of the same In which time they did not only exalt the Roman Princes as aforesaid and Princes of other Nations but likewise the praefects of the City whom to honour the more they usually drew up and down the streets in a Caroach with an officer going before who proclaimed that the praefect came and this is clearly demonstrated by Siniachus in his first book Cassiodorus in his 6th from 24. But the Roman Bishops who from God have chief authority over the eternal way for demonstration of their dignity were wont to be conveighed through the City in a certain Chariot honestly or meanly clothed as Ammianus Marcellinus in his 27th book avers in his conceipt of Damascus and Urcisinus to this point in that time when Pretestatus put on the Pretesta which was a Robe the chief Magistrate of Rome wore when they sate in Majesty being then designed Consul he preposed the Bishoprick of the Christians to the Consulship of the Roman people and was wont to say to San Damascus the Pope as San Girolamus also relates in his Epistle to Pammacchius make me Bishop of Rome and I will soon make my self a Christian from which words we may comprehend that even in those daies the Pontifical dignity moved the minds of the principal and greatest persons being that the Consulacy was a dignity to which all others gave place as in more Epistles Cassiodorus shews in the 10th book and Protestatus so he might have been high Bishop of the Christians would not only have deserted his old false Religion but also Consulship That it was the manner of the antient Priests
the World and singular sculptures than with collections of Brass Figures Marbles Medals and other exquisite things both natural and artificial which with the said Palace are now possessed by Signor Gasparo Mantoua Doctor of Physick and Nephew of the abovenamed Marco Luigi Coradino Doctor of Philosophy and of the Laws heretofore Reader of the Digests or Volums of the Civil Law in the University a man of a most quick wit and polite Learning an excellent disputant and particularly conversant in antiquities made a noble collection of Books Pictures Sculptures Medals antique Brass and Marble Tablets and other rarities which for the most part are enjoyed by the Signor Andrea his Son Doctor of Philosophy and Physick and Reader in the College a Virtuoso who conserves them in their Antient House in the Street called Torecelle Gio Domenico Sala Doctor of Philosophy and Physick most renowned for having been so many yeers Reader in the University and for having exercised his Profession of Physick with a known reputation In his Palace which stands in the Street called San Lorenzo hath set up a Study replenished with Books Pictures Marbles Brass pieces Medals and other pretious rarities and in particular he hath there a large and neat Press with shelves all made with Walnut Tree filled with Vessels of Christal with all the simple minerals and other rare and exquisite things which were collected by the Signor Conte Giacomo Zabarella Doctor Reader of the College and Canon of Padoua after whose death coming to the hands of Signor Bonifacio Zabarella his Brother they were by him given to the above-named Signor Gio Domenico in testimony of being his great Friend and Ally as a gift of most singular estimation Benedetto Salvatico Knight a Philosopher and Physician and chief Reader of the University a most signal person no less for his Reading than eminency in Physick hath restored near the Domo or chief Church his Palace making there a most stately Gallery gardens with Fountains Voleries and a thousand other excellencies besides his books and Pictures The Signor Conte Giacomo Zabaralla Count of Credazza and of the Empire a most renowned and vituous Person hath so much laboured in the study of History and Antiquities that meritoriously by the Learâ—…edst Pens he is styled the Restorer of Antiquity and renewer of things devouted by time being as well read in the Genealogie of Princes and other Illustrious Families a work as may be said without compare Besides that he hath found out the Invention to blason Coaâ—…s of Gentility to a great perfection with the right Linage and the equal compartments The works composed by him give a sufficient assurance that a high value is justly put upon him whereof are extant the Genealogie of Antenore Agamemnon Trasea Peto Orontio Stella Brandeburgica Polonica Auraica and the Universal Genalogie of those Princes and of many Illustrious Families the relation of so many Originals of Gentility the Histories of Conterina Cornera Zena Quirina Bemba Michiela and other his histories of the City and Families of Padoua the glories of Venice with many discourses Orations Elogies and other workes much esteemed by the Learned He hath in the Street called Coda the whole length of his Palace erected a most noble Library wherein besides that there are great Quantities of Books of Histories of Humanity and other Learning all most choice so also are there a good number of Manuscripts in Paper and Parchment whereof many are set in gold with exquisite Limning in Vermillion many whereof were never printed whose very Originals he is Master of Moreover he hath the Chronicles of Padoua as well those that are in print as in manuscript as also many of Venice and other Cities And besides these in a Press of Nut-Tree of a notable Largeness and Workmanship he hath collected many Marbles Brass pieces and other things natural and Artificial Antient and Modern of great value as also a quantity of antient Medals and of the later Princes both of Gold and Silver and other Metals which are of a sufficient valew besides many rare Pictures by the hand of the chief Men of the past Ages and the authentique pourtraies of Francesco Cardinal Bartolomeo Paulo Archbishops Orlando and Lorenzo Bishops all of the house of Zabarella and likewise of the Counts Giaccomo the elder Giulio and Giacomo the Philosopher and of other eminent men of his house He also preserves the great privileges granted to his house by many Popes Emperors Kings and Princes with the Key of gold given by Massiminian the first Emperor to the said Count Giacomo his Ancestors he likewise preserves many Antient and notable Seals of his Ancestors wherewith they used to seal the privileges of those Counts Knights Doctors and Notaries which were created by them together also with many other most incomparable excellencies both concerning his own Family and many others Monsignior Giacomo Filippo Tomassini Bishop of Citta Nova in the Street called Ponte de Tadi hath his Palace restored and signalized by the Signor Paulo his Brother long since Doctor of Laws and the first Advocate of his Age in his Countrey lately deceased with a universal sorrow This Signor is generally esteemed for a most virtuous person a Philosopher a Divine an Astrologer an Historian and a Humanist in all which he hath justified his Judgment by those most Elegant Books he hath wrote upon all these subjects so much approved by the Virtuous His Study excels no less in Books Pictures Medals and other things of valew Than in the signal Library of the works of the Lawes left him by his said Brother The Signor Conte Giovanni de Lazara Knight of the Order of Saint Stephen Son to the Signor Conte Nicolo Knight of the same Order hath no less honoured his Country by his Nobility and Virtue than for his eminency in the knowlege of the Antiquities of it and many other Countreys whereto he hath added a Collection of divers manuscripts of great esteem as also a good quantity of Medals and other things of price among which the antient Seal of the Padouan Republick whereof Scardevone in the 12 folio takes notice is greatly valued Besides on one side of his Palace which is one of the fairest of the City he hath drawn a Border whereon are set the Pourtraies of many Lords and Princes the Predecessors and Parents of his Family The Signor Sartorio Orsato Doctor in Philosophy and Physick Son of the Signor Orsato Knight of Saint Mark an eminent Subject in his Countrey is a young Student not less read and expert in Philosophy and Physick than in History Humanity and Antiquities and in his brave house in the Street of Saint Francesco hath made a Collection of the best Books and squares with a good number of Medals Marbles brass pieces and other singularities of great Price who having composed several works both in Prose and verse as well in the Latine as Italian Language to add to the fame and beauty of
and reduce it to forms which in great abundance grows on these Mountains which also serve for the feeding their Flocks and Herds The Summano is famed for its rare simples and for the Temple of Mary the Virgin which according to common belief was heretofore dedicated to the God Summano which Idol being destroyed by Saint Prosdocimo the Temple was consecrated to the Mother of God Some yeers since was found there a most antique Stone engraven with Roman Letters which by the Learned is intepreted thus Palemon Vicentinus Latinae Linguae Lumen And gives confidence that Palemon was buried there which Rhemio Palemon the Vicentine flourished in the time of Augustus in Grammar and Rhetorick when those professions were in much more esteem than at this day the very Emperours in those dayes not disdaining to assist therein From Piovene you ascend to the Sette Communi which are seven Villages filled with a great number of most fierce People dwelling on those Mountains whom one would think created by Nature for a Parapet to the Vicentines against the incursions of the Germans Their Language is so strange that though it approach the German as much as it can yet the sharpness of their pronunciation renders it unintelligible even to the Germans some think they were the Reliques of the Gothes They enjoy many exemptions for their fidelity to their Prince and the City Maximilian the Emperour in February 1508. attempted by this part to surprise Viceâ—… with a flying Army descending from Trento but the noise thereof spread and the Peaseants raised by Girolamo and Christofero Capra with others of their Family in Piedment who having possessed themselves of the narrow passes of Asiago and the Fâ—…rni with five hundred Souldiers of their party opposed his Army compelling them with much slaughter to a dishonourable retreat Their Readiness and Valour in which action was greatly acknowleged by the Venetian Senate In Sum All its Territories are most beautifull the Hills contending with the Valleys for fertility and goodness The wines there growing in great Plenty are esteemed without compare the best of all these Countreys which occasioned the Proverb Vin Vicentin c. with that variety of Colour and Tast a rare thing that both Winter and Summer the most delicate Palate may meet its full satisfaction There being Wine sweet and sharp which please and cut Aromatick and Fragrant Stomachal and brisk with a hundred other real differences all most digestible healthfull and gratefull to the Palate It produceth Corn of all sorts Pears Apples and all other Fruits for every Moneth in great abundance The Peasants have such infinite numbers of Calves and Kids that they supply half Venice whither the conveniency of Water and cariage invites them to vent the superfluities thereof as also their admirable Venison Partridges Pheasants God wits Quailes and Quoists and although their Fining is not equal to their Fouling yet they want not either red or white Trouts Lampreys or other Stone-fish besides what certain Lakes afford of excellent sorts They much inrich themselves by the Craft there much used as well within as without the City of making Cotton Clothes which are esteemed no loss for their goodness than whiteness They have likewise great quantities of Silk-worms and therefore t is that their Countrey is so well planted with Mulbery-Trees whereof the Woâ—…s feed and thereof they extract at least 500000. Crowns a yeer distributing them to all Merchants that resort thither for them which much adds to their Riches here also they fetch Fullers Earth for many uses into several Countreys as also the Sand wherewith at Venice they pollish their Looking Glasses Trento affords them some mines of Silver and Iron but much Stone for all sorts of Structures some whereof for their hardnese are compared to the Istrian Stone and others for their fineness to the Marble of Carrara The conveniences of Tymber Stone Sand and unslacked Lime considered with their active and ingenuous Natures together with the laboriousness of the Peasants and the beauty and variety of Sites is that which nourisheth so much the Art and discipline in their Workmen of the Architecture of 〈◊〉 Whence Botero deservedly accounts this Province for one of the four most delitious and rich Provinces of Italy It s Ayr being so pure and healthfull that they reach great Ages besides that this Cliâ—…t in all Ages hath produced Men eminent no less or Learning than Arâ—…s as appears in the Histories and enclines the ordinary sort to a certain Spriteness and aptness to all occupations and exercises In its Territory they number one hundred and three score thousand Souls which added to them of the City amounts to two hundred thousand dispersed into 250. Towns and Villages which are governed by two Podesta'es and eleven Vicariats Noble Venetians and Noble Vicentines whose Jurisdictions are limited to civil matters only Criminal Causes being wholly reserved to the Consulary The Prince draws from Vicenza eighty thousand Duckats annually without the least charge and makes the Province to maintain three thousand select and well disciplined Foot under four Captains who alwaies reside at their several Quarters and the City one thousand Muskeâ—…teers Also for the urgent necessity of War they have made a new calculation of such persons as are fit to bear Arms from 18 yeers old to 20. and they have thereupon enrolled in a Book the names of 16000. flourishing brave Youths Its Territory is one hundred and fifty miles in circumference Vicenza is distant from Padoua 18. miles from Venice 43. from Verona 30. from Mantoua 50. from Trent 44. from Treviso 33. Thus for a conclusion we may with truth affirm that reflecting on their Political State the strength of the City which consists not so much in the circuit of the Walls as the Liberty and amplitude of its Territory Their riches and the number Valour and gallantry of their People Vicenza will find few Cities equal and consequently will find no small esteem from a wise Prince VERONA The Antient. T Is the Vulgar Criticism on this name that syllabilzed It comprehends the three first syllables of the three head Cities of Italy Ve Venetia Ro Roma Na Napoli others more stricty interpret that whatecer may be found in those three Cities abounds there Verona is reckoned amongst the most Noble Cities of Italy Built long since by the Toscanes was one of the twelve by them cmoÌ„anded on this side the Apenines The Galli Cenomani peopled it having beat out the Toscanes It s name as some other say was taken from an antient Noble Family of the Toscanes called Vera. It is seated near the Mountains towards the South as t were in a plain and is in form little less than a Square In the time of Augustus Caesar it was much larger as many inducements make us believe among others That t is written they used to set forth 50000 Souldiers which appears no great wonder since Cornelius Tacitus called Ostilia a Burrough thereof though
great Men that they might the more commodiously apply themselves to the Study of Learning Of which were Virgil Alipius Saint Augustine Hermolao Barbaro Merula Francesco Filelfo Celio Rodigino Alexander the sixth and Pious the fourth Popes And although too often this City was thrown down to the very foundations and at last furrowed with the plough of the Enemies yet it ever revived again and that with more beauty and Splendor than at first increasing still so much in Riches and People that it ever kept a place among the chief Cities of Italy Near the Church San Salavdore there stood a proud Palace of the Emperors with a Temple dedicated to Jupiter made in emulation of the Campidoglio at Rome and where now the Counsel is kept was the Palace for Justice where also the Proclamations of the Dukes were accustomed to be publickly read and the due punishments executed on Malefactors There was also a Theatre to present Comedies a place for Horse races and a large Circle where now is Santa Maria Maggiore The Garden near San Steffano was an Amphitheatre where they accustomed to fight Duels The Church of San Nazario was an old Prison where they condemned Malefactors to fight with the wild Beasts there preserved to that end in great number The Common Field was then a Theatre where the young men exercised themselves in taming and manning of Horses and fighting Where the Cathedral Church is was a place with Stalls many waies where they made their Feasts to their Heroes and Houshold Gods The Stalls now for the Cattel then was a pleasant Garden beautified and planted with many Fruit trees and plants brought from far Countries great store of odoriferous flowers Rivolets of Christalline waters Statues and Sculptures of Marble Where the Church of San Lorenzo stands now were the hot Baths of Maximinian Nero and Nerva the Emperors nothing inferiour to them at Rome Besides which antiquities there yet is preserved a stately Armory in the Palace replenished with most noble Arms worthy any Prince for the value and fairness being not onely inlayed with Gold and Silver but engraven with greatest Cost and Workmanship where now is the Church San Lorenzo was a Temple dedicated to Hercules made in the form of the Rotunda at Rome near which were erected 16. Marble Pillars and upon them a Palace for the Emperours part whereof was ruined by fire the rest by time nothing but the Pillars remaining All this Fabrick was raised by Maximinian Hercules who ordained the Town should be no more called Milano but Herculeo At one end of those Pillars is this inscription put in Imp. Caesari L. Aurelio vero Aug. Arminiaco Medico Parthico Max. Trib. Pot. VII Imp. IIII. Cos. III. PP Divi Antonini Pii Divi Hadriani Nepoti Divi Trajani Parthici Pronepoti Divi Nervae Apnepoti Dec. Dec. This Milan was alwaies a potent City whence we read that it many times made opposition to the Romans and often fought the Goths and other Barbarous People and also against both the Federicks the first and second Emperours obtaining a most glorious victory It subjected to it Navara Bergamo Pavia Como Lodi and Tortona and freed Genoua from the hands of the Moors The Romans were wont to say Qui miseram citius cupiunt effundere vitam Modiolanum adeant gens ea dura nimis It was so much prized by the adjacent Countreys that it being ruined by Federick Barbarossa the Emperor Cremona Verona Piacenza advised how to restore it at their own cost and charges and in all times t was very populous It received the light of the Faith from S Barnabas sent thither from Saint Peetre who then resided in Antiochia which was in the 46. year after the coming of our Saviour where he substituted for Bishop Anatalone the Greek his Disciple whom in process of time succeeded many holy Bishops among others that glorious pillar of the Church Saint Ambrose the most renowned Doctour who finding the Bodies of San Gervaso and Protaso the Martyrs caused that Church to be built which is now called San Ambrogio This was the Cathedral Church where is seen the true effigies of the brazen Serpent made by Moses brought hither by Theodosius the Emperor as also the effigies of San Bernardo upon a Pillar who in this Church said Mass preached and wrought miracles Likewise a sumptuous Sepulchre wherein lies Lewis the second Emperour and Pepin King of Italy both Sons of Charls the great there under the Altar within a deep Pit locked with four Gates of Iron is kept with great reverence the body of Saint Ambrose and a book writ with his own hand Angelberto of the illustrious Family of Pusterly in the time of Charls the Great being Arch-Bishop The Emperor gave to this Altar a noble Pall embroidered with Saints and Angels in 20. several Squares in the midst whereof is the Saviour of the World as he rose from the dead upon whose head is a Diamond set round with gemmes of inestimable valew On both sides of which Altar are four other Images of Saints in the middle is a Cross. The Vests are all over beset with many pearls and pretious stones behind the Altar is another Cross of silver two Cubits high and one an half broad where are 23. figures of Saints of embossed work This so stupendious work cost in those days 28000. Scudaes and is now worth 100000. Volvinio the excellent Sculptor of those times was the Artificer of it Saint Ambrose stood at the Gate of this Church when he excomunicated Theodosius the Emperor commanding him not to enter therein Contiguous with it is a noble and stately Monastery of the Fryers Celestines At the issuing out of Saint Ambrogio is a poor Chapel in a blind corner with a Well where Saint Ambross baptized Saint Augustine and t is known that this was the way which Saint Augustine and Saint Ambrose took hand in hand to give thanks to God in San Gervaso for the holy Baptism received singing Te Devm Laudamus as the Inscription testifieth Hic beatus Ambrosius babtizat Augustinum Deodatum Alippum hic beatus Ambrosius incipit te Deum laudamus Augustinus sequitur Te deum confitemur The meanness of the place makes it most credible to be true the name of Carolus Boromaeus a Council of Trent Saint highly cryed up at Milan having too much extinguisht the memory and esteem of that learned Father The Church of Santa Tecla is replete with holy Reliques here rests Saint Ambrose and among other Reliques a Nayl which was fixed and drove through a member of the Body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into the Wooden Cross whereon he was crucifyed by the wicked Jewes which was bestowed on it by Theodosius the Emperor This is the antientest Temple of Milan and was first consecrated to the Saviour after to the Virgin Mary and lastly to Tecla but antiently many yeers before the coming of the Messiias they say there stood a most famous Temple
his Power for the Salvation of human kind by granting all the prayers of such as with a devout and sincere heart seek him c. The infinite Miracles wrought there shew that God will be sought in one place more than another in the Church hang many pourtraies of human misery as in a theatre which notwithstanding our mercifull God conduceth to a good end as particularly by divers accidents by Water evil Times Shipwracks Thunderbolts Earthquakes Destructions Precipitous falls braking of bones Sicknesses diseases Plague Slaughters Robberies Prisons Torments hunger Want and many others which a hundred tongues can hardly explicate as Virgil saith With which afflictions God is pleased to exercise his Children to expresse his Clemency more than his Justice that by it we may more truly prepare our hearts and our Souls worthy for his habitation and for our eternal bliss In this Church are many rare and pretious gifts of several Princes dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Vestry are kept the Vests Vessels of Gold and Silver and other Riches of immense valew and about the Chnrch are many Tablets of Verses in praise of the Church The Nobleness and Magnificence of the Church of LORETO compendiously drawn out of the five Books of Floratio Torsellino a Jesuist ALthough no day passeth wherein the Cel of the holy Virgin is not visited by many strangers as well Poles Spaniards Germans Portugals other Oltramontaneous and Oltramarine Nations as Italians yet there are two seasons in the yeer when there is exceeding concourse to wit Spring and Autumn In the Spring begins the solemnity the day of the Conception of our Lord and in Autumn the day of the birth of our Lady and each solemnity continues for 3. Moneths wherein each day the house of Loreto is repaired to by great multitudes of people the greater part whereof go in companies with their Ensignes having carryed before them a Crucifix with the Images of Saints Every Company hath its own governors Priests who sing the Donatives offered follow which are of more or lesse valew according to the quality of the Persons and their Devotions which method of going singing praiers praises to God excites great piety in the Pilgrims and people who follow though not in order in infinite multitudes When at a distance the Companies begin to see the Church which is seated on a hill above the Fields they internally are moved to devotion and cast themselves upon the ground weeping for joy saluting the Mother of God and then pursue their journey some renting their garments and putting on sackcloth others beating themselves and being beaten by others with many stripes on the nakedshoulders In the mean time the Priests of Loreto go to meet these Companies introducing them into the Church with solemn musick Trumpets and Bells when they approach the dore the Companies again fall flat on the ground saluting the Virgin from the bottome of their hearts with such zeal that the beholders are moved to tears Arrived at the Chamber of the Virgin which shines most clear by the many lights brought in their hands they contemplate the Effigies of the Madonna with such Piety Tears Sighs and humility as is wonderfull and many affix them selves so much to consider the place and Actions which the Mother of Christ there performed that were they not driven out by other companies who overtake them they would never remove thence but such as come from far Countreys not being able to preserve the order of Companies resort thither in the best manner they can the most part if not all communicate there and leave their offerings at the Altar but the most precious offerings are consigned to the deputies whose charge is to set them and the givers names down in a Book for perpetual remembrance The Altar erected by the Apostles and the effigies of the Virgin Mary are alwaies clothed from time to time with sumptuous garments aud ornaments of great valew both in Gold and Jemms The Church is alwaies full with wax lights and Lamps burning resounding with musick and Organs but what more imports t is filled with the Spirit of God which terrifies the bad rejoices the good heals the infirm and works stupendious miracles The number of the Pilgrims at Easter useth to be 12000. and at the Penticost and nativity of the Virgin not much inferiour if not more there hath been the day of the said Nativity in our times and the day following above two hundred thousand Persons which hath necessitated the intendents to make a rail round about the Cel whereby to exclude and admit whom they think fit that they may not be opprest by Multitude Moreover because in all times the Companies of Souldiers intending for the Wars resort thither first to confess and communicate the Road is so well accommodated with Inns and houses of Reception that any Person though delicate and weak may make the journey on foot besides that the continual concourse of fresh companies to and fro renders the way less heavy this convenience invited M. Antonio Colonna not to speak of others a famous rich and great Commander to take that Journey on foot These Companies having seen the countenance of the Virgin rejoyce spiritually and commonly acknowlege they have gathered great benefit from the Pilgrimage though difficult Were it not too long difficult t were worth ones pains to recount the vowes there made and rendred to God how many there escape out of the mire of Sin how many are there loosed from the intricate tyes of carnal and forbidden pleasures how many there lay down their hatred and old envy how many men almost desperate to do more good and bound already to the Gates of hell by compact between them and the Divel yet there deliver themselves from the Enemy and recover a state of Salvation finally as the Soul is more pretious than the Body so the Miracles of the blessed Virgin of Loreto wrought for the Soul are more than those that are for the Body so that to discourse more at large the things touched here were a desire to measure and confine the divine power by humane frailty Which to avoid t is better to let it alone than undertaking it to rest unsatisfied and although for the most part Fame surpasseth the thing spoken of yet whoever hath seen Loreto must confess Fame could not speak so much of it and its glory as he there saw and contemplated The remarkable and wonderfull Site of the House of LORETO T Is credibly reported that the house of the blessed Virgin leaving of its own accord Galilea first went into Dolmatia and there stopped in a Wood of Marchiano whence it went into a Mountain belonging to two Brothers who were at discord but to remain there for a time God having determinated that it should stay where now it stands and we hope will ever continue if some sins of the adjcent People make not the place unworthy and t is presumed
brought in the head of Saint Iohn Baptist to her Mother In the same Church lies the body of S. Siri or rather Sylus the third Bishop of this City under the high altar with this Epitaph Hic recubat Sylus sacro baptismate dictus Cujus terra levis Florida menbra premi wherewith this Book concludes the end of the first Book THE HISTORY OF ITALY BEING A Compendious DESCRIPTION OF ROME THE Mistress of the WORLD with an Account of all particulars therein worth Observation as well Divine as Humane The Second PART Ammianus Marcellinus in the 14th Book of his History speaks after this manner of ROME T is not a little wonder that Virtue and Fortune whom the world conclude almost at perpetual discord should accord together in that instant of time when Rome for its agrandizing had so much need of their united force By which their conjoyned strengths Rome augmented her Empire to that Greatness that she subjugated the whole World T is worth considering the Paralell between her and a Childe Who in its first Infancy creeps when she began to be built and peopled then it acquires vigour strength for Adolescential Exercises so she then warred only with her neighbours but when arrived to more full strength is employed in Manly disputes So she when arived to be 300. yeers old and increased both in vigour and People began to pass Mountains and Seas pursuing Warr into the farthest Countreys where she obtained and brought home innumerable Victories and Triumphs from the Barbarous and wilde Nations In the end having made infinite noble Attempts and acquired whatever upon Earth through Valour was to be obtained as t were arrived to mature Age she begun to acquiesce whereby the better to enjoy those good benefits and Advantages which she had then provided for Comitting the Troubles of Government to the Emperors as to her Natural Children for her better and more pleasing repose At which time although the People participated of that publique Ease and Profit and the Souldiery moved not for her further advancement yet such was the Care of her Greatness that the Roman Majesty was no less Reverenced than feared Virgil in praise of Rome wrote these Verses Ipse Lupae fulvo nutricis tegmine laetus Romulus Assaraci quem sanguinis Ilia Mater Eduxit genti Mavortia condidit olim Maenia Romanosque suo de nomine dixit Illius auspiciis rerum pulcherrima Roma Imperium terris animos aequavit Olimpo Septemque una sibi muro circumdedit Arces Felix prole virûm qualis Berecinthia Mater Invehitur curru Phrygias turrita per Urbes Laeta Deûm partu centum complexa ne potes Omnes caelicolas omnes supera alta tenentes Hanc olim Indiginae Fauni Nimphaeque tenebant Gensque virûm truncis duro robore nata Quae duo disjectis tenuerunt oppida muris Hanc Ianus pater hanc Saturnus condidit Urbem Ianiculum Huic illi fuerat Saturnia nomen And Ovid surnamed Naso composed these of Rome Crescendo formam mutavit Martia Roma Appenini genae quae proxima Tibridis undis Mole sub ingenti posuit fundamina rerum Quanta nec est nec erit nec visa prioribus annis Hanc alii proceres per saecula longa potentem Sed dominam rerum de Sanguine natus Iuli Effecit quo quum tellus fuit usa fruuntur AEthereae sedes caelumque â—…it exitus illi Who saith also in another place Hîc ubi nunc Roma est olim fuit arduasylva Tan taque res paâ—…cis pascua bobus erat In another Gentibus est aliis tellus data limite certo Romanae spatium est urbis orbis idem Divers other testimonies and Declarations of the Magnificence of Rome were writ by Ausonius Claudianus Rutilius Numantianus old Authors and by Iulius Caesar Scaliger Faustus Sabeus a Brescian and other modern writers which for brevity sake are here omitted but without comitting an unpardonable fault we must not leave out these elegant verses of Marcus Antonius Flaminius viz. Antiquum revocat decus Divûm Roma domus caput Urbium Vertex nobilis Imper I Mater magnanimûm Roma Quiritium Fortunata per Oppida Cornu fundit opes â—…opia divite Virtuti suus est honos Et legum timor prisca redit fides Nor these of M. Valerius Martialis Terrarum Dea gentiumque Roma Cui par est nihil nihil secundum The praise of ROME written by STEFANO PIGHIO ROME the Glorious is replenisht with stupendious Structures as well publique appertaining to the Popes as private belonging to Cardinals and Princes who at this time frequent that City The Gardens behind the Vatican called Belvedere from their beauty and pleasantness are no less estimable In which Pope Sistus quartus erected a noble Palace without regard to his expence soe it might be excellently carved painted guilt and embellish't with rare figures thereby to make it a Kingly Receptacle for entertainment of such eminent Princes and Lords as should repair to Rome Before the Front of that Pallace where the Pope resides is a most stately Porticue composed in the form of a Theater raised some steps above the Earth and garnished with many marble Statues and on the western part is another Porticue which stands between the one and the other Palace Belveder being near the Popes Palace and will be when finish't according to the design a most stately Piece and of great value But of greater wonder are those footsteps and marks of old Rome which seem rather the works of Gyants than of ordinary men although compared to what t was much inferiour by the great fallings and decayes of Towers and Walls in divers places where stood formerly publique Edifices Martial in most elegant Verse sets the Theater of Titus Vespacian before the seaven wonders of the World and not unworthily since to this day it creates admiration in all judicious Men by its prodigious Structure Who admires not the Pantheon or the Circalean Dioclesian and Constantinian Baths which Fabricks are built with rare art and so great that they seem Castles and Towns Or the vast number of Arches Triumphals Collumns Sculptures of whole Armies figured to the Life Pyramids and Obelisks of so vast bigness that who would transport one of them must build a ship large and strong enough to float and sail laden with a Mountain What shall we say of the great entire Statues of the Castori on Horseback of the great bodies of Rivers prostrate on the ground of so many brass Statues and Vessels capacious to bath in or of those Marble Tablets and Pillars with hundreds of other excellencies Each of which are worthy of and would fill up a particular volume if worthily described The Gardens of Belvedere contain some Statues of white Marble far bigger than the body of a Man as of Apollo of Hercules of Venus of Mercury of the Genius of the Prince thought by some to be of Anthony of Adrian the
Cemeterio Cardino in the Via Latina That tra'due Lauri at S. Helena That of S. Ciriaco in the Via Ostiense But we must observe that Astolfo King of the Longobardi tearing up out of the earth about Rome the bodies of many Saints destroyed also their Cemeterii or burying places and that the Popes Paolo and Paschale reposed within the City in the Churches of S Stefano S. Silvestro and S Prascede many bodies of Saints then lying in those Cemeterii which were ruinated and layed wast And that the Christians were buried in the Cemeterii within Tombes and Sepulchres of Marble or of brick and of those Sepulchres some were hereditary others bestowed in gift and that at last places were assigned particularly for the Sepulture of Christians to wit Church-yards c. The Roman fixed stations granted by several Popes to divers Churches of Saints with great priviledges and Indulgencies THe first Sunday of the Advent is celebrated at Santa Maria Maggiore The second at S. Croce di Jerusalem The third at S. Pietro The Wednesday of that season at St. Maria Maggiore The Fryday at the Dodeci Apostoli The Saturday at S. Pietro The Vigils of the Nativity at S. Maria Maggiore In the first Mass of the Nativity at Santa Maria Maggiore al Presepio In the second Mass at S. Anastasia In the the third at S. Maria Maggiore On St. Stephens day at S. Stefano nel Monte Celio On St. John the Apostles day at S. Maria Maggiore The Feast of the Innocents at S. Paolo The day of the Circumcision of our Lord at Santa Maria beyond the Tyber The day of the Epiphany or Twelfe day after Christmass at S. Pietro The Septuagessima Sunday at S. Lorenzo without the Walls The Sexagessima Sunday at S. Paolo The Quinquagessima at Santo Pietro The first day of the Quadragessima or Lent at Santa Sabina The second at S. Gregorio The third at San Giovanni and Paolo The Saturday at S. Trisone The first Sunday of Lent at S. Giovanni Laterano The Munday at San Pietro in Vincola The Tuesday at Santa Anastasia The Wednesday at Santa Maria Maggiore The Thursday of Lent at S. Lorenzo in Panisperna The Fryday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli The Satturdey at Santo Pietro The second Sunday of Lent at S. Maria in Domenica The Munday at San Clemente The Tuesday at Santa Sabina The Wednesday at Santa Cecilia The Thursday at Santa Maria in Transtevere The Friday at San Vitale The Satturday at the Santi Marcellino and Pietro The third Sunday of Lent at S. Lorenzo without the Walls The Munday at San Marco The Tuesday at Santa Potentiana The Wednesday at San Sisto The Thursday at the Santi Cosmo and Damiano The Fridry at S Lorenzo in Lucina The Saturday at Santi Susanna The Fourth Sunday of Lent at Santa Croce in Jerusalem The Munday at the Santi quatro Coronati The Tuesday at San Lorenzo in Damaso The Wednesday at San Paolo The Thursday at the Santi Silvestro and Martino The Friday at Santo Eusebio The Satturday at San Nicolo in Carcere The fifth Sunday in Lent called the Passion Sunday at San Pietro The Munday at San Grisogono The Tuesday at San Quirico The Wednesday at Santo Marcello The Thursday at Santo Apollinare The Friday at S. Stephano in Monte Celio The Satturday at San Giovanni before the Porta Latina The Palme Sunday at San Giovanni Laterano The Munday at San Prascede The Tuesday at Santa Prisca The Wednesday at Santa Prisca The holy Thursday at San Giovanni Laterano The good Fryday called Parasceve at Santa Croce in Hierusalem The Satturday at San Giovanni Laterano Easter day or the Sunday of the Resurrection of our Lord at Santa Maria Maggiore The Munday at San Pietro The Tuesday at San Paolo The Wednesday at San Lorenzo without the Walls The thursday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli The Friday at Santa Maria Rotonda The Saturday before the Octave called Sabato in Albis at San Giovanni Laterano The Sunday of the Octave from Easter day called Domenica in Albis at San Pancratio The Feast of the Ascention at San Pietro The Vigil of the Pentecost at San Giovanni Laterano The Pentecost Sunday at San Pietro The Munday at San Pietro in Vincola The Tuesday at Santa Anastasia The Wednesday at Santa Maria Maggiore The Thursday at San Lorenzo without the Walls The Friday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli And the Saturday of this week of Penticost at San Pietro The Wednesday of the Feasts in September at Santa Maria Maggiore The Friday at the Dodeci Apostoli The Satturday at San Pietro Besides which there are other stations for every Feast of those Saints Apostles Martyrs Confessors or Virgines to whom any Church is dedicated in Rome and for the most part those Churches on the daies of their Feasts are visited with a multitude of People his S. himself often celebrating Masse or at least being then present atended by a great number of Cardinals and Prelates Of the Vatican Library of the Pope THe Vatican Library of the Pope is every day frequented by learned Men and meritoriously for that it is filled with the most antient books in all the Professions as well Greek Latine and Hebrew as other Languages writtten with the pen in Parchment And t is certainly to be admired that those Popes under so many disgraces negociations Foreign and civil Wars and sackings of Rome should still apply their chiefest study and pain in heaping together Books and preserving those collections Sixtus the 5th in our time beautified and aggrandized it wonderfully adjoining to it a noble Fabrick and causing most excellent pictures to be drawn about it Which Guglielmo Bianco a French Man praiseth in a singular Poem and Fryer Angelo Rocca by way of History treates of it diffusely As also Onofrio Panuino of the same Order Many great Scholars have only desired favour from the Pope as to publish an Index of the Greek and Latine Books extant in that Library that by this means recourse might be had to Rome from all parts both for the enlightning and correcting Authors who have been altogether unseen or are els printed full of errors This the noble City Augusta permitted and by that publique Index set forth in vited all to go thither for comparing the uncorrected for their amendment How many bookes have Francis the first and Henry the second Kings of France sent forth to light How many benefits have the Republique of Scholars had from the Grand Duke of Tuscanies Bibliotheque and how much more advantage would all the world receive from such an Index of the Pontifical Library which is of splendidly royal Other Libraries there are also in Rome as that of the Capitol That which appertained to the Cardinal Sirleto now to Cardinal Colonna valeued at 20000. Crownes That of the Family of Sforza and that of the Farnesi abounding with Greek Authors We pass by many Libraries of private persons no less replenished with rare Books as that of Fulvio
the Apostolick Sea into France with it carryed the said Library in the Laterano to Avignon in France which continued there about 120 yeers till the difference was appeased between the Catholicks Pope Martin the 5th caused the said Library to be reconveyed to Rome placing it in the Vatican where his S. had then chosen and setled his Residence where they were disposed confusedly without any order and a good part lost Whereto Sixtus the 4th having regard it appearing to him insupportable that so great a quantity of books should go to ruine through ill government he built a place on purpose for them adorning it by all possible means placing them methodically and adding such other Books as he could come by and ordered the Officers deputed to that end to govern them with diligence endowing it with a hundred Crowns a yeer in perpetuity being the donative which the Colledge of writers of the Pontifical Letters was used to make the Popes yeerly and this was bestowed on the Library Keepers for their diligence and pains This then is the Vatican Library filled with the most choise Books that could be had a great part written in parchment with the pen others printed and their number exceeds six thousand books Antiently the President of this Library was called Librario then Cancellario whose office was to collect with diligence not only the Books but also to copy the Bulls the Popes decrees the Acts and Constitutions of the Synods and to keep every thing exactly because it appeared convenient that the Cancellario or as he is now called the Secretary of the Pope should have the managing and preserving of the Books the Library being in those dayes as t were the Office of the Secretary or Chancery but in our times the Offices of the Chancery and of the Library are divided They used to elect Men of the greatest knowledge and of good life for Presidents of the Library as Anastasius in the Life of Pope Gregory the second relates which Gregory he saies was first President there who being sent to Constantinople by Pope Constantine to the Emperor Justinian the second and being questioned by him he answered learnedly and the Bibliothecary in the life of the said Gregory the second saies that he was from a boy brought up in the Lateranian palace and being made Deacon by Pope Sergius took upon him the charge of the Library at last Sixtus the 4th on the 10 day of July 1475. being the sixth of his Papacy created a perpetual Keeper to the Vatican Library investing him in that Office by his Bull. Bartolomeo Platina of Cremona the Apostolick writer and familiar of Sixtus the fourth was the first president to the Vatican Library for which service he had 10 Crowns per Month for his maintenance besides provision for his own Table with 3 servants and one horse and the ordinary Vails which the popes usually allowed to their Familiants as Wood Salt Oyl Vinegar Candles Brooms and other the like things Bartolomeo Manfredo a Bolonian Doctor of the Canons was by Sixtus the 4th annno 1481 in the 11th of his Popedome elected to that Charge in lieu of the deceased Platina This Manfredo was a Familiar acquaintance of the Popes and wonderfully learned And to add splendor to this Office the Pope ordained that the Presidents of the Library for the future should be the first Squires of the Roman Popes for ever and should receive the accustomed honors and profits first giving security to the Apostolick Chamber of ten thousand Duckats and taking an Oath to keep faithfully and diligently the Library After Manfredo these following were successively created Christophoro Persona a Roman Prior of Santa Balbina in anno 1484. Giovanni Gionisii a Venetian in anno 1487. A Spaniard who was Arch deacon of Barcellona in anno 1492. Possibly this was that Girolamo Paolo Cathalano Canon of Barcellona Doctor of both Laws who was Chamberlain of Alexander the sixth whose books set forth and communicated the Practise of the Roman Chancery printed anno 1493. being the second of the third Alexander Giovanni Fonsalia a Spaniard Bishop of Iteran in anno 1493. Volaterano Arch Bishop of Ragusa anno 1505. Tomaso Ingeranni or Fedra Volaterano anno 1510. Filippo Beroaldo a Bolonian 1516. Zenobio Azziaiolo a Florentine of the preaching order 1518. Girolamo Alexandro dell Mota Arch Bishop Brundusian Cardinal 1537. Augustino Stenco Eugubino Bishop of Chiama Marcello Cervino of Monte Pulciano Priest Cardinal of the holy cross in Jerusalem was created by Paul the third He would not accept the stipend nor the four sportule or Fees usually given to the Presidents of the Library but distributed those emoluments to the two Latin Correctors and to him whose charge was to find out and place the Books Roberto de Nobili of Monte Pulciano Dean Cardinal with the Title of Santa Maria in Dominica was created by Paul the fourth anno 1555. Alfonso Caraffa Dean Cardinal of Santa Maria in Dominica created by Paul the fourth Anno 1558. Marc Antonio Amulio Priest Cardinal a Venetian Anno 1565. Guglielmo Sirleto Priest Cardinal of Calabria the 20th day of May Anno 1582. Antonio Caraffa Priest Cardinal with the Title of San Giovanni and Paulo a Neapolitan Anno 1585. Guglielmo Alano Priest Cardinal an English man created by Clement the 8th Anno 1591. Marc Antonio Colonna Bishop Cardinal created by the same Clement Anno 1594. Antonio Saulio Priest Cardinal created by the same Clement Anno 1597. And because t was imposible for one single person to give sufficient attendance to the government of so many Books the same Sixtus the fourth gave to the President of the Library two other perpetual Keepers persons of good Faith and diligence to assist in that charge allowing to each 3 crowns salary per Moneth and his Dyet and the other abovenamed perquiâ—…its as also for one servant The first of which were Giovanni Caldelli a Clerk of Lyons and Pietro Demetrio of Luca who was Reader in the Popes common Hall created the 10th yeer of Sixtus his papacy the first the 29th of April the second the first of May. Demetrio being dead Julius the second the sixth of July in the eighth yeer of his Pontificacy created Lorenzo Parmenio priest of the Chamber This pope the 23d of August in the first yeer of of his Popedome granted a Load of Charcoals weekly to the said Keepers but now for the whole yeer is allowed but 24 Load only In the yeer 1535. Fausto Sabeo a Brescian Poet and Nicolo Magiorano Hidronteno succeeded these the latter of whom being created Bishop of Mancpoli him succeeded Guglielmo Sirleto and him his Brother Girolamo Sirleto Federigo Ronaldo Valnease being created prothonotary followed Sabeo and Marin Ronaldo Brother of the said Federigo succeeded to Girolamo Sirleto Furthermore the same Sixtus that nothing might be wanting to the compleating the splendor of the pontifical Library created three with the denomination of exquisite writers the one in
Greek a second in Latin a third in Hebrew with their Dyet and four crowns a moneth but Paulus the fourth doubled the greek Salary and added two other Greek writers and one Latin to the one of which Greek writers and to the Latin he assigned five Crowns by the Moneth and two Sportule which is a certain Fee payed to the Pope or Saint Peter by every person that got the better in any suite in Law but to the other Greek he assigned two Sportule and four Crowns only He likewise ordained one Binder with provision of foure Crowns Lastly Marcello Corvino President of the Library instituted two Correctors and Revisors of the Latin Books between whom he divided the benefits accruing to the Presidents denying to retain them to himself as aforetold and gave two sportule to each being the four due to himself as president assigning a Salary of five Crowns to the one and four to the other and the tenth Crown which remained to him of the ten crowne by the Moneth assigned to the presidents he deputed that for him whom Paul the 4th had instituted for sweeper to whom the regalies were not granted The first Latin Correctors were Gabriel Faerno of Cremona Nicolo Maggiorano to whom Pius the 4th added a Greek Corrector giving to each of them ten Crowns of gold by the Moneth Of the Ceremony in kissing the feet of the Roman Bishop CHAP. XI Taken out of GIOSEFFO STEPHANO Bishop of ORIOLANO Wherein is shewed that for good reasons the Pope wears a Cross upon his Shoe or Slipper and the Christian People kiss his Feet AMong the many things the Popes had given them to bear and carry for ensignes of Glory and dignity by the Emperor Constantine the Great with which for long time together they have gone adorned ware a pair of Slippers made of the whitest linnen cloth for the Ornament of their Feet which Slippers we may name Pumpes for their being so apted to the Feet whereof we read an especial memorial in the Acts of San Silvestre for that the Emperor Constantine commanded that the Popes of Rome should cloth their Feet with the purest Linnen in imitation of the high Priests and antient Prophets who we read in the fifth Book of Herodian were thus vested And t is most certain that the Sandals or slippers of the Roman Bishop are alwaies bedecked with some singular Ornament differing from those which ordinary Bishops wear at the celebration of their Mass otherwise how could the blessed Antidius near Segeberto in Anno 418 distinguish the Pope by the slippers he had on nor could that have happened if those of the Pope had not had a peculiar Mark differing from those of the Bishops San Bernardo in his forty second Epistle declares that the slippers are a part of those Ensignes which the Popes are obliged to wear at the solemnizing of Mass. The same thing also is averred by Innocenzo III. in his first Book de Divinis Officiis in the 24th Chapter Ivo Cornatense in the 76th Epistle and in his speech de significatione Indumentorum Rabano in his first Book the 22d Chapter Durando in his third Book the 28th Chapter and many others And although rhe Roman High Priests antiently used this sort of Shooing with the whitest Linnen we must nevertheless confess that now the Custome is changed and in lieu thereof are worne a certain red sort of shooing with a cross wrought on them the occasion of which mutation may be attributed partly to the reverence of the People and partly to the consideration of the Popes Person Wherein will be manifested the humility of the Pope who knowing all Persons prone to the kissing of his Feet desired to have the sign of the Cross fixed thereon to the end that so much honour might be payed to the most holy sign of the Cross rather than to his own proper person And that his Holiness would also reduce into the minds of the faithfull which kiss his feet the passion and death of our Saviour With great Judgment then most honest intention and good end have they introduced this wearing the signe of the Cross upon the popes Sandals since that the kissing of the cross is an Act of the Reverence born to it used in the most holy Church antiently whose custom it was in that manner to reverence not only the holy Crosse but also the holy Images of Christ and of the Saints the Visage and heads of which Images the faithfull of old accustomed to approach in token of respect and honour as Niceforus in his seaventeenth Book the 25th Chapter recounts and Zonara in the third tome of the Life of Theodofilo The sublime Ensigne of the Romans made in manner of the Cross of the Saviour which was wont to be born before Constantine the Emperor and was adored by the Senate and the Souldiery is called Laboria perchance for that in Latine it signifies Labour to wit for that that blessed Ensigne put the Souldiers in good heart and remembrance when they were near toyled with fighting or for that they bore up that Ensign when they marched or els for that they mustred the Souldiers under that Banner to signifie to them the pains they must take under it as Paolo Diacono relates in the 11th of his History and Nicolo Prinio in the consults of the Burgari at the 7th Chap and 23. Paolino Nolano demonstrates very clearly in the 42d Epistle the Custome which was that the princes and great Lords kissed the Cross submitting to it all the Banners of their glory and worldly Majesty Nor have they born this Reverence to the Cross alone but also to all the Instruments of the Passion of our Lord as Sant Ambrosius in a discourse he makes of the death of Theodosius averreth touching one of the Nayls which was pierced through the Feet of our Saviour To come then to the other Head wherefore we judge it convenient the change of the white slippers or sandals for slippers or sandals with the Cross wrought on them we say that herein the Popes have endeavoured to demonstrate expresly the Image of the Apostolick charge because they havinng received a charge to teach to all the world and to preach the Gospel have likewise adorned their feet with the signe of peace and of the Gospel that so they may walk perfect through the World in vertue of the signe of the crosse Isaiah the Prophet saith thus Beautifull are the Feet of those who preach Peace and publish good tidings as if that forseeing this Usage he should wonder how the heads of the Christian People should find out so convenient an ornament to put upon their Feet so that the Nations beholding them should not only remain full of gladnesse for the good newes which they had heard from them but should also perceive a certain content for having seen them all beautifull all adorned and signalized to the very feet with the figure of the holy Cross. Because t is usual to
the name word is comprehended the tongue or the sword wherefore aptly also to our purpose it may receive the same signification the Pope giving to understand to Princes that they in particular ought to have their tongue and speech adorned with Gold that is to say clothed with wisdom and prudence with which sword they ought to separate the good thoughts from the bad and by their wise counsels to penetrate and see into the very hearts of others To this misterious sword the holy Pope adjoyns a belt interwoven with gold which even of old was a sign of Majesty and military dignity well then may the Prince on whom t is bestowed apprehend the exhortation by it given him to demean himself well for the holy Church against all factions The Hat which is the covering of the head the most noble part of man is an Ensigne of nobility and liberty which hat also antiently was wont to be made in the form of a half sphere as t were one part of a great egg divided just in the midst but in later times our modern arâ—…ificers not apprehending the significations or willing to fructifie humours make it after another fashion It s round form putting us in minde of Heaven by which we are covered and adviseth the Prince to direct all his actions to the glory of God and the benefit of his soul for whose eternal dwelling were the Heavens made the celestial colour of the said hat denotes the same thing The white colour of the skins and the Pearl signifies that sincerity and purity of the mind wherewith the Prince ought to be endowed to the end he may in the end accomplish a concomitance with those most sacred minds the wch to that time he hath or ought to have endeavoured to imitate with all clearness of conscience The Colour white hath been alwaies esteemed gratefull to the Almighty being a mark of Inocency therfore from great antiquity all men in the duty of sacrifice used to cloth themselves therwith Pythagoras his sentence is that every white thing is good Fully in his second book De legibus saies that white is very agreeable to God We might also bring testimonies to this purpose from Cicero and others but to what end should we search prophane authors since Christ himself in his glorious Transfiguration made himself obvious to many clothed with rayments white as snow and the Angels also who were at the sepulchre of our Lord the morning of his resurrection day when the women went to seek after the most holy body presented themselves in whitegarments from the above specified records the Prince is advised of the nature of that Animal the Ermine off which those skins are taken for the Ermine is infinitly neat and enemie to filthiness and durt in so much that the mouth of their Cave being environed by the hunters with dirt they do rather expose themselvs to be taken then to run for their escape through dirt to defile themselves All which things then advise us That God does expect in us Cleaness of heart sincerity of tongue wisedom of mind elevation of the understanding and prudence in our actions whereof his Holinesse by that beatified sword adorned in the aforecited manner intends to give the Prince a continual remembrance that in goodness and works he ought to surpasse all other sort of people in an eminent degree begin by the omnipotent God in the government of the world made so much superiour to all other People The Prince at the reception of this gift kneels down and the Pope then gives it him exhorting him by many expressions to be a good souldier of Christ Then the Prince acknowledging the Pope as Vicar of God returns his thanks in Latin swearing that he will not lay any thing more to heart then a correspondence by his actions with the desire of his holiness and all other Christian Princes afterwards he delivers the Sword to his most noble and chief Minister who bears it before the Cross while the Pope goes out of the Vestry At last having had a congratulation from the Cardinals and Embassadors and taken leave the Prince with the sword born up before him being accompanyed by the Governors of the Castle Saint Angelo by the Comptrolor of the Pallace by all the Nobility by the Pontifical Family and the Palatine Court with great Pomp and the sounding of Trumpets and noise of Drumms he marcheth out of the Palace by the military Porticue thus attended to his own Dwelling Of the increases of the TYBER CHAP. XIV ON the 9th day of November in the yeer 1379. the Tyber rise three braces or yards and the mark of it may be seen at Santa Maria Della Minerva In 1422. on Saint Andrews day under Pope Martin it rose above a brace and halfe In 1476. the eighth of January a little above the Channell Shores In 1495. in December being the third yeer of the Papacy of Alexander the sixth it augmented thirteen foot and a little after in Leo the 10ths time somewhat more In 1530. Under Clement the 7th on the 8th and 9th dayes of October it encreased twenty four feet the mark of it appears at Saint Eustachio upon a wall in the midst of Santa Maria del Popolo and in Castle Saint Angelo where the Governor Guidon de Medici then caused a signal to be made of it In 1542. it rose and of that rise Maria Molza speaks elegantly In 1589. the 24th of December in the 7th yeer of Clement the VIII it rose with so vast a destruction to the City Rome that there remains no memorial of the like at which time the Pope was but just returned from Ferrara being then lately received and restored to the Apostolick Chair Whence we may receive for truth this maxime that sorrow wailing are the subsequents of Joy The Pope had enough to do for all the following yeer to repair the structreus which by that inundation were ruinated and to restore Rome to a convenient condition against the yeer of Jubile which happened in anno 1600. The curious are referred to the tracts of Lodovico Genesio and Giacomo Castiglione Touching the preserving ones health in ROME UPON this subject wrote Alesandrio Petronio a Roman Phisition and Marsilio Cognato of Verona a Phisicion also at Rome in his book of observing a rule in diet in the four books of his divers lectures and others also to be found in Rome also Girolamo Mercurio speaks somethings of it in his various readings The air of Rome is thick and ill tempered wherefore you ought to abstain from walking abroad at such times as the Sun does not subt elize it that the sky is not serene that is early in morn or els late at night or when the weather is disturbed or foggy In the Church Santa Maria della Minerva you may read these verses to the purpose of preserving health in Rome Enecat insolitos residentes pessimus aer Romanus solitos non bene gratus
with art and in such plenty that they suddenly wet all the aspicients not thinking of it in the summer a sufficient cooling these Fields by the vicinity of the Vesuvius enjoy great plenty of sweet waters the Fire within forcing out many fountains of sweet waters purged and pure hence also the Sebeto acknowledgeth its being and the greatnesse of its Chanel being conveighed into all the streets of Naples by Pipes under ground to all the publique and private palaces and habitations so great comodity of all things brings to its inhabitants the Paradise of Italy as Corona Pighio frequently and not improperly calls her that flourishing part of the Neapolitan territory although many times afflicted with wars and earthquakes IL MONTE VESUVIO VEsevo or Vesuvio or Vesuvius so called by the Antients from the sparkling was a most fair mountain and formerly a goodly Countrey for about four miles compasse lay at top which then produced the excellent Graeco but t is now layed wast T is an imitator and companion or rather the Brother of flaming AEtna and is begotten by earthquakes and fire the materials whereof it continually retains in the profoundest part of it which as if withheld within it self for some yeers till come to maturity and as if the spirits were summoned and fomented with fury evaporates fire breaks open the firm parts of the Mountain and vomits forth its inward parts as earth stones flames smoke and ashes throwing them up into the air with horrid noise and with such force that the Vesuvio seems to imitate the war of the Gyants by fighting against Jupiter and the Gods with flames arms and huge stones some whereof four porters can scarce move and seeming to draw the Sun down to the earth to change the day into night and lastly to cover the very heavens Experience and the testimony of Strabo Vitruvius and other antient Authors assures us that under Vesuvio aud the adjacent Maritimate Mountains and of the neighbouring Islands are vast burning sires of sulphur pitch and allume the hot bathes and sulphu reons boyling fountains sufficiently prove it and therefore the Vesuvio when abounding with fire sometimes asends sometimes useth to move earthquakes and vast ruins and destructions That incendium was the greatest and most famous which happened under the Emperor Titus Vespasianus described in a print by Dion Cassius and other Authors the ashes of which fire were not only exported to Rome by the wind but over the Seas into Affrick and into AEgypt the Fish in the boyling Sea were dressed the birds were suffocated in the air and the famous and most antient adjacent Cities Stabia Herculeano and Pompeo were heaped and covered over with ashes and stones while the people were sitting in the Theatre and C. Plinius the famous Naturalist who then governed and commanded the Armada of Misenus too inquisitive after the cause of this intestine fire approached too near and by the heat and savour received his end by being suffocated near the Porto Herculiano Francesco Petrarca noting this acutely in his triumph of Fame saies he wrote much but dyed little discreetly Mentr'io moriva subito hebbe scorto Quel Plinio Veronese suo Vicino A scriver molto a morir poco accorto Yet for all that to Pliny succeeded so fearfull his dalliance Stephano Pighino himself not thereby fore warned could not forbear but took a voyage of 30. yeers old in order to his studies into Italy through Campania and Naples to the end he might search out and behold the place of such wonders although very high and no lesse difficult to ascend which cost him an entire dayes labour and with his two companions he marched round the mountain reaching the very top where he could scarce satiate his view in looking on the bourg the Countrey round about the Islands and the Sea Vesuvio riseth in the midst of a most fertile Countrey the ashes scattered over it the stones and clods of earth burnt by the fire and dissolved by the rain afterward infinitely enrich and fructifie all the countrey in such sort that the vulgar to purpose enough call Campagna the mountain and the Castle built at the foot of the mountain Sommano from Somma the sum and wonderfull abundance of generous wines and excellent fruit the Vesevo as well as the Campagna and neighbouring hills being surrounded with fair vineyards So also Martial sung that in his time it was green with the sprouts of the vines bewailing in his first book with a fair epigram that fierce fire happening in Vespasians dayes the top in all times and ages hath been ever held barren through the burned stones as if eaten up by flames T is hideous to behold the deep cracks in the earth through which the streams of sulphur pass but when arrived at top the Vorago represents hell so terrifying is the spectacle T is a hole about three miles compass and round as if formed like the middle and lower part of an Amphitheatre t is called Lazza from the form of the Rock Fish the bottom of it reaches to the bowels of the Earth The place is cold now nor seems it to emit the least heat or smoak which the said Pighius testifies who descended as far into that profundity as the the precipices and obscurity of the place would permit the first entrance of the Vorago is fertile through the earth and ashes cast on it and growes green through the firre and other great trees growing in it as far as the Sun can reflect into it or the rains penetrate but the parts under restrained to a narrow compass are as t were stopped by the great pieces of stone and rocks and arms and bodies of trees fallen down which obstructions when the in ward Materials of fire abound like little bundles of straw are easily raised and mounted to the skyes by the invincible force of its smoake or flames The fire also is known to open it self a way not only by the ordinary mouth but on other sides also as occasion offers whereof we have a memorial in the Italian Annales To wit that two hundred sixty and six yeers since in the Pontificacy of Benedict the 9th from one side of the Mountain gushed out a stream or river of flames which ran into the Sea in a liquid fire like water the issue and footsteps of which Cavern t is said appear yet The Roman History tells us that besides the mouth it had other issues and courses for the flames of old for instance it saies that Spartacus the sword-player having begun to raise the war of the Fugitives against the Romans in Campania and having possessed the mountain Vesuvius with his army as a strong fortress and sure retreat for war and being there afterwards besieged he escaped from the Roman siege by an admirable way for that covertly fastning chains at the mouth of the Mountain he with his companions let themselves down to the bottom as L. Florus briefly relates in his
the way that led to Cuma Her bath yet stands and her Chambers painted in Mosaick woâ—…k yet all under ground as most of the aforesaid Antiquities except the Temples are CUMA Leaving the Lake Avernus you find on the way among the ruines of the City Cuma now altogether undone desert great foundations and ruines of Towers Temples and Edifices of importance On the top of the mountain are yet the footsteps of a Temple of Apollo which in its time was infinitely celebrated and is taken notice of by Virgil and Servius his Commentator There is also an Arch built with brick now called Arco Felice the happy Arch of a stupendious high Vault through which the antients wrought an even way between two heads of Mountains Cuma was built by the Calcidensi a Graecian people of Negroponte who being arived in those Seas with their ships to seek out a Country for their habitation first landed in those near Islands called Pitherusa which lye over against Campania and were so denominated from the multitude of Apes thereon found and afterwâ—…rds taking courâ—…ge they passed over into the Terra â—…irma where they built this City Cuma calling her by this name either from one of their Captains so called or from the Procurator in those maritimate Coasts or from its good augury they there met with to wit a woman great with child the which confirmed them in their determination to dwell there as Strabo Dionysius and Livy relate for to all these sences Cuma in Greek considering its significations may be well applyed These people lived a long time governing their Republique with prudence and increased so much that Pozzuolo Paleopoli and Naples became part of their Colony we read that the Cumani were under Tyrants before the Romans expelled their Kings but this happened not through their being subjugated by any but because they chose to themselves a head and chief to obey who after the Greek manner was called Tyranno that is Lord one of which was Aristodemo Malaco elected for his meer valour as Livy and Dionysius Halicarnasseus write for that with a small party he overcame a great nnmber of Tuscans Ombrians and Ausonians enemies of the Cumani and slew with his own hand Arunte the Son of Porsenna their Captain To which Aristodemns say the same Authors Tarquinius Superbus expelled Rome fled for safety and by him being well accepted he ended his daies in Cuma Afterwards the Cumani were overcome and for some time evilly intreated by the Campani saies Strabo but in subsequent times there being no Forts strong enough to resist the Romans all those people were at one instant of time reduced under the said Romans who set a Praefect over the City Cuma for that that people would too obstinately have fought for defence of their Liberty Afterwards that City run retrograde loosing its splendour and inhabitants for that the Romans by their greatnesse measuring their pride possessed themselves of all that Campania or Country erecting therein their luxurious and most sumptuous Palaces which not only obscured Cuma but all the adjacent Cities who being bereaved of their Land first fayled of Inhabitants and at last became desolate yet Cuma was the last of those Cities that underwent this desolation by reason that being built upon a mountain when the Roman Empire began to feel its tottering condition by the frequent in roads of the barbarous Nations into Italy Cuma for the commodity of its site was reduced into a Fortresse which caused Agathia Mireneus in his first book of the Gothick warr to say â—…hat Cuma in his time was very strong almost impregnable through its many grosse Towers walls and other fortifications and that for this reason Totila and Teja Kings of the Goths thither conveighed their Treasure as to a safe and secure place together with their most estimable and dearest things however Narsetes the Legate of Justinian the Emperor after a long siedge made himself Lord of it But at present nought hereof remains save only immense ruines foundations and profound Ditches cut into the hard stony rock with Chisels In the departure from Cuma you often fall upon parcels of the Via Domitiana now interrupted in many places and great Ruines of a stone Bridge raised over the Volturnus Domitian cau sed this way to be made beginning from the Via Appia between Minturue and Sinvessa and so leading to Cuma Statius Papinius in his Hendecasillibi or verses of eleven sillables makes mention of Cuma the above named bridge and a triumphal Arch of Marble placed on the same way whereof no fragments are now to be found LINTERNO And why now called the Tower of the Countrey ON the left hand of the Via Domitiana lye vast ruines of the old City Linternum of old a Colony of the Romans so in the midst of that t was called the Tower of the Countrey Campania which name it seems to have acquired from the places old successe and was ennobled by the remainder of dayes which Scipio Affricanus the Greater spent there after his voluntary banishment from his Countrey Rome Who being ill treated by his Citizens whom with their goods and estates he had defended from their Enemies and made them Lords of Spain and Affrick in disdain of so great ingratitude retired himself to his own Palace in this place that he might deprive his Countrey of himself living of his assistance by this means dealing with her as most ingratefull after his death commanding his body to be there entered expresly forbidding his bones to be transported to Rome as Livy Strabo Valerius Maximus Seneca and many others relate Pliny saith further in the last Chapter of the sixteenth book of his natural History that even to his tâ—…me they found in Linternum of the Olive trees planted by Scipio Affricanus and a â—…irtle of a notable largenesse under which was a Cave inhabited by a Dragon the guardian of Scipâ—…oes Soul from which fable arose this other which the Inhabitants tell of the Monte Massico so renowned for the wines it produced to wit thaâ—… in a certain â—…ave on the said mountain lay a Dragon who slew and devoured all such as approached to him and that t was therefore called Monte Dragone and the Castle standing thereon is called La Rocca di Monte Dragone Iu these quarters is a spring or fountain of which was wont to be sharp or sower water and as t was said would intoxicate â—…ut now it hath the tast of sweet and pure water and hath not the said effect of inebriating but when drunk cures the head-ache SINOPE or SINVESSA UNder the Castle Dragone stood the antient City Sinope first a Colony of the Greeks and afterwards made a Colony by the Romans calling it Sinvessa when they also made Minâ—…nrnum a near City another Colony by occasion of the warr they had against the Samniti in the four hundred fifty seventh yeer after Romes foundation Appius Claudius and L. Volturnius being Consuls the latter
the second time as Livius relates or the following yeer when Pirrhus began to reign as Velleius Paterculus will have it Vast ruines of this City lye disperst on every side there but chiefly towards the Sea where the footsteps of a large port also appear T was a renowned City having a healthfull air and some salutiferous hot fountains for which the Poet Silius stâ—…les Sinvessa luke warme these fountains are now denominated Bagni Gaurani but Tacitus calls them Sinvessan waters saying in the 12th book of his Annals that Claudius the Emperor being restored to his sences caused himself to be conveighed to Sinvessa for recovering his health hoping and depending much on the goodnesse of the aire and the benefit of the Sinvessian waters when his wife Agrippina had prepared for him those poisoned mushrooms which himself and his Son Brittanicus eat This Agrippina was Daughter of the noble Germanicus Sister to Caligula and by him abused she was first married to Domitius by whom she had Nero afterwards to Claudius whom with his Son as aforesaid she poisoned that her Son Nero might be Emperor But her falshood abomination cruelty was not unpuni'sht by that Son who though he had joined her in equal authority with himself and carnally known her as some suppose yet caused her to be most cruelly slain after sundry attempts to do it privately and with least trouble and pain to her Tacitus saies further in the first book speaking of the histories of his time That Onofrius Tigillinus one of the principal actors of Nero the Emperours misdeeds had the wezel pipe of his throat cut near the waters of Sinvessa whilst disporting himself among his Concubines he least thought of any such thing MINT URNE The River Garigliano being passed wherein the Scille or Seashrimp or prauns are taken a sweet little fish held very delitious by the Romans you may see the reliques of Minturnae of old a most flourishing Colony of the Romans and among them the footsteps of vast publique and Private Fabricks some despoiled of the marble which embelâ—…ished them and some entire As a very sumptuous Aqueduct a Theatre with its Scenes and all other necessary parts a work after the antient way of building but solid An Amphitheatre with its accomodation for sitting one seat above another but despoiled of its marble wherwith for ought appears the 〈◊〉 â—…rajetto standing on the neighbouring hill hath been adorned and fortified which Amphitheater is now used as an inclosed pasturage for goats and sheep Therein lye great footsteps of Walls and Towers great arches over gates and vast foundations of edifices from whence we easily collect she hath a been potent and noble City This place hath acquired an illustrious fame also from that great victory which the Christians there obtained against the Saracens and Infidels under the Captains of the Christian Army Pope John the 10 and Albericus Marquess of Tuscany when all Italy was delivered from that cursed people except Monte Gargano whither such as could escape fled and possessed it a long time after robbing both by sea and land At the mouth of the river Garigliano was the sacred wood where the Minturnesi honoured the Nymph or Goddesse Marica the wife of Faunus to whom on the banks they built a proud Temple whereof nought now remains no more then of the honourable City Venista or of Ausonia a most noble City which was so named of Auson the Son of Ulâ—…sses and Calypso which City afterwards gave name to all Italy over all which it also Lorded which Cities stood in those parts along the aforesaid river LE PALVDI MINTVRNESI THe adjacent Fenns now Medows called Minturnesi are famous for that they reduce to memory a notable example of the various changes of Fortune which was that C. Marius who had been seaven times Consul and had seaven times triumphed had the good hap to abscond himself therein for saving his life where notwithstanding he was found by a Frenchman an Enemy but one that had not the boldnesse to offend him being terrified and put to fear by the Majestick aspect and noble presence of that great man Whence Marius having reached a ship passed into Affrick whereof Juvenal speaks concisely in these words Exilium carcer Minturnarumque palludes Et mendicatus victa Carthagine panis FORMIA Thence the Via Appia leads by Hercoleana to Formia which way is very pleasant but the Castle Mola now stands near if not in the place where Formia of old stood Mola takes its name from the many Mills grinding in that quarter by reason of the quantity of water The Countrey is such that a more delicious cannot be fancied wherfore Martial saies O temperatae dulce Formiae littus And a little after follows Hic summa legistringitur Thesis vento Nec languet aequor viva sed quies Ponti Volaterrannâ—…s and others well skilled believe that here was the Villa Formiana appertaining to Cicero famous for his slaughter there which opinion cannot well be contradicted because the Epitaphs inscriptions reliques of antiquity on the Appia and near Towns demonstrate that the City Formia was there but chiefly these words to be read on the basis of a Statue in that place following Imp. Caesari Divi Hadriani Filio Divi Trajani Parthici Nep. Divi. Nervae Pronepoti Tito AElio Hadriano Antonino Aug. Pio. Pont. Max. Tr. Pont. XI Cos. III. II. P. P. Formiani Publicè Strabo Pliny Solinus and other historians concurring say that the Lacedaemonians built Formia in the antient Territories of the Lestrigoni and therefore Silius Italicus calls it the house of Antifata because there Antifata the Son of Janus and Nephew of Neptune ruled over the Lestrigoni and first called it Hormia which in their Language signified a comodious port which that was The Lacedaemonians were afterwards subjugated by the Campani and they by the Romans who reduced that with Capua into the form of a Prefecture yet leaving Formia in Liberty or free and making her participate of the Roman honours for some time as Livins in his 33 book at last in the civil warrs Formia was made a Roman Colony and reduced with many others in Italy into Castles and Forts as Frontinus saies by the Triumvirate Caesar Antonius and Lepidus T was most flourishing in the time of the Emperors through the goodnesse of the air it in joyed as Horace Martial and other authors worthy credit relate which may also be conjectured from the more noble structures now extant In the end the Saracens destâ—…oyed it with many other Cities in Campania or the Terra di Lavoro when Pope Gregory the 4th translated the Fpiscopacy to Gaiela And thus then pursueth the Via Appia leading to Fondi VELLETRI VElletri was an antient and potent Castle of the Volsci whereof the Roman histories frequently speak Livius and Dionysius Hallicarnasseus say that Velletri was besieged and enforced to yeild to Ancus Martius King of the Romans and Livy adds further that t was severely
chastised by the Romans for its frequent rebellions wherefore the walls were levelled and the richer sort of Velletri sent to dwell beyond the Tyber with penalty of imprisonement to whosoever should set foot on this side Tiber within a mile of Velletri This Castle was also made a Colony of the Romans and many times replenisht with new Inhabitants sent thither from Rome because the old in the many warrs made on those confines became impotent and much decreased as Livy affirms Frontinus in his Fragmenta saies that he finds many people by precept of the Sempronian Law to have been at sundry times sent from Rome to Velletri and that afterwards Claudius Caesar made it a Military Colony dividing his own Territory among the Souldiers T was renowned because the Ancestors of Caesar Augustus were of old Inhabitants in it that is the Octavian Family and the same Augustus had a certain noble Seat of his own there from whence saies Suetonius he caused many things necessary for sustenance and livelyhood to be conveighed Yet now remain very few marks of the old Fabricks notwithstanding that t is yet a great and well inhabited Castle It hath a lovely Territory replenisht with gardens and Palaces through its vicinity with Rome Pliny in his 14th book reckons the wine of Velletri among the most generous but it is not now in that credit being so crude at present that they are fain to boyle it in a caldron to make it drinkable wherefore Pliny well observes that even the Earth hath its age and decays as have all other things In the voyage present themselves to view Lanuvium or Lanuvio a place famous for the Temple there dedicated to Juno Sospita The Riccia or Agritia built by the Sicilians afterwards made the Seate of Alba Longa. The mountain so much spoken of for the Temple consecrated to Jupiter and the Latines Feast daies there celebrated Some Lakes which lye under it The Hill Albano so fatal to the Vejenti The Nemorese famous for the barbarous sacrifices there performed to Diana Taurica and Hippolitus Urbius In sum all that tract of Land is worthy contemplation for the many records taken of it among writers The frequent ruines of great Fabricks lying up and down the Countrey Tusculanum where Cicero Varro and divers other noble Romans had their Palaces deserve due consideration as do the Countrey seats of the tenn Cardinals and above all the fair Villa of Frescati a place deputed to the Popes recreation The Territory of Frescati was the antient delight of the Romans and continues now of such ravishing delights as t is fitter for the Gods to in habit then men such is the quantity of trees the quality of verts alwaies flourishing the murmuring of Fountains and the like PELESTINA VPon a mountain on the right hand stands Pelestrina the Antient Seat of the Aborigini a people who first possessed the Country about Rome living abroad without houses of the original of this City is no certain knowledge to be had being lost through its antiquity but thereof divers are the opinions Virgil in his seaventh by authority of the Chronicles of the Prenestini saies that Caeculus the Son of Vulcan founded it whose mother sitting by the fire side a spark happened to light into her lap by which she said she was concerved with Childe when her full time was come she was delivered of a Son whom because he had very small eyes she called Caecuâ—… Of him the noble Family of Cecilians in Rome would need have their beginning deriving their Original from him as their first stock Soliâ—…s by authority of Zeâ—…odotus saies that t was built by Praenestus the Son of Latinâ—…s and Nephew of Ulisses Plutark in his parallels by authority of Aristotle in the third of Italian things saies that Telogonus the Son of Ulisses by Circe the witch after he had built Tusculum by advisement of the Oracle called it Preneste from the name of the Crowns wherewith he first saw the Inhabitants of the Country to daunce but be it as some say from the said Praenestus or as others will from the scituation of the place a little pendent or as others from the scites being so high t is indifferent since the name Preneste will easily accommodate it self to all or either of these respects Yet the more rational opinion for the name seems to be derived from the Crowns aforementioned not only for the aforesaid cause but also for that in that City there stood a most noble Temple of Fortune famous for those diviners by Lots who exercised themselves in that superstition and was therefore visited with many Crowns offered to the said Goddesse by vow of which Temple some fragments yet remain and a few years since were there found divers figures of Fortune in brasse brick marble and other materials as also several Crowns and divers medals upon which were figured the various lots fortunes and chances with their marks signes and letters In it also hung divers Tablets and other things offered by vow to Fortune Jove Hope and to the Capudini which things would take up too much room to recite yet one Epigram will not be too impertinent since so eminently inscribed on a marble basis dedicate in that Temple by T. Caesius Taurinus with the figure of T. Cesius the first his Father the most famous Merchant of Corn who used every yeer to present a hundred Crowns by vow On the said Basis are carved two measures called Modii half bushels filled with ears of corn on the sides are some little pillers crowned with ears of corn and in the middle is the ensuing Epigram Tu quae Tarpeio coleris vicina Tonanti Votorum vindex semper Fortuna meorum Accipe quae pietas ponit tibi dona merenti Effigiem nostri conservatura Parentis Cujus ne taceat memorandum littera nomen Cesius hic idemque ritus Primusque vocatur Qui largae Cereris messes fructusque renatos Digerit in pretium cui constat fama fidesque Et qui divitias vincit Pudor ille perillos Consuetus portus cura studioque laboris Littora qui praestant fessis tutissima nautis Notus in urbe sacra notus quoque finibus illis Quos Umber sulcare solet quas Iuscus arator Omnibus his annis votorum more suorum Centenas addit numero cresente coronas Fortunae simulacra coleris Apollinis aras AEgeriumque Jovem quoruum consentit in illo Majestas longae promit ens tempora vitae Accipe posteritas quod post tua saecula narres Taurinus cari jussus pietate parentis Hoc posuit donum quod nec sententia mortis Vincere nec poterit fatorum summa Potestas Sed Populi salvo semper rumore manebit Cicero declares in his second Book de Divinatione by extraction out of the Books of the said people Prenestini how the observation of Chances Lots or Fortunes came to have its beginning in that City saying that a certain nobleman of
Sea this fish bears a great price in May or June as also of the sword fish particularly at Messina which t is written they cannot take unlesse they speak Greek and to say no more both the Seas and the Rivers abound with all sorts of excellent fish They have also in divers places many baths of hot cool sulphurous and other sorts of water usefull and advantagious in several Infirmities but those are in the River Sen◅ntina near the Cities Sacra and Himera are salt and un wholsome to drink We will not speak of the Fountains of sweet water that are found over all Sicilia and many Rivolets accommodated as well for the life of Man as the enriching their Lands by the overflowing And to speak in brief this Island is not at all inferiour to any other Province either for its fatnesse or abundance but somewhat exceeds Italy in the excellency of their grain saffron honey Beasts skins and other sustenance for the life of Man in so much that Cicero not improperly called it the Granary of the Romans and Homer said that all things grew there of their own accord and therefore calls it the Isle of the Sun Sicilia is likewise admirable for the fame of those things which told exceed our beleef as the Mount Etna Mongibello who sending forth continual fires from its bowels hath not withstanding its head on that part where the fire issues deeply covered in snow to the midst of Summer Not far from Agrigento or Gergento is the Territory Matharuca which with assidu al vomiting of divers veins of waters sends forth a certain Ash coloured Earth and at certain times casting out an incredible Mass of that Earth the one and the other Fields may be heard to roar In Menenino is the Lake Nastia called by Pliny ◅fintia where in three eddies you behold boyling water which alwaies gurgles with an egregious stink and somtimes spues up flames of fire hither antiently resorted all such as through their superstition were to be sworn to any thing It hath likewise in sundry other places divers other Fountains of admirable Qualities and nature for an ample account whereof the reader is referred to Thomaso Fazellio to the end we may abridge our relation here Sicily was inhabited by the Cyclopes which is verified besides what Authors affirm by the bodies of immense bignesse and heigth which in our daies are seen in the Grots or Caves Those Cyclopes being monsters of Men or Gyants whom the Sicani succeeded and them the Siculi or Sicilians Then the Trojans the Candiots the Phenici the Calcidonians the Corinthians and other Greeks the Zanclei the Guidii the Sarasini the Normans the Lombards the Swedes the Germans the French the Arragonians the Spaniards the Catalonians the Genouans and at length many Pisans Lucchesians Bolognians and Florentines all which people at several times inhabited divers parts of this Island untill Charls the fifth Emperor took Corona and after a little time leaving it to the Turks all those Greeks that dwelt there transported themselves into Sicilia The People are of an acute and quick wit noble in their inventions and industrious by nature and said to be of three tongues for their velocity in speech wherein their expressions proceed with much grace to facetiousnesse and quicknesse they are held loquacious beyond measure whence the Antients borrowed the proverb Gerrae Siculae the Sicilian bablings Antient writers attribute the following things to the invention of the Sicilians the art of Oratory the Bucolick or pastoral verse dyall making the Catapul◅e a warlike engine the illustrating of Pictures the Art of Barbing the use of skins of wilde beasts and Ryme They are by nature suspectfull envious evil spoken facil to speak Villany and prone to revenge but industrious subtle flatterers of Princes and studious of Tyranny as saies Orosie which at this day does not so generally appear They are more covetous of their own commodities or conveniences then of the publiques and reflecting on the abundancy of the Countrey sloathfull and without industry Antiently their tables were so splendidly furnished that it became a Proverb among the Greeks but now they follow the frugality of Italy They are valiant in warrs and of uncorruptible faith to their King beyond the custōme of the Greeks they are patient but provoked they leap into extream fury They speak the Italian Language but roughly and without the least sweetnesse and in their habits and other customes live after the manner of the Italians MESSINA THat City of Sicilia that is most illustrious is Messina built with the ruines and reliques of the City Zancla at a thousand paces distance from hence came Dicearchus the hearer of Aristotle the most celebrious Peripatetick Geometritian and eloquent Oratour who wrote many books whereof Fazellius makes mention and Ibicus the Historian and the Lyrick Poet and in the memory of our Fathers times lived there Cola the Fish born at Catana who leaving human society consumed the best part of his life among the fish in the sea of Messina whence he acquired the nick name of fish Hence came also Giovanni Gatto of the preaching order a Philosopher Divine and famous Mathematician who read in Florence Bologna and Ferrara and was afterwards elected Bishop of Catano and lastly hence came Gio Andrea Mercurio a most worthy Cardinal of the holy Church Here stood the City Taurominio which gave birth according to Pausanias to Tisandro Son of Cleocrito who four times overcame in the Olympick Games and as many times in the Pythick and Timeus the historian son of Andromacus who wrote of the transactions in Sicilia and Italy and of the Theban warrs CATANA IT hath also the City Catana one part whereof is washed by the Sea and the other extends it self to the foot of the Mountains where antiently was the Sepulture or burying place for famous and illustrious persons as of Stesicorus the Poet Himerese Xenofane the Philosopher and of two young Brothers Anapia and Anfinomo who the fire of AEtna raging and burning all the Countrey round took up upon their shoulders the one his Father the other his Mother but being disabled by the weight to proceed with speed and the fire overtaking them and at their very feet yet lost not their magnan imity and courage but when almost in despair the fire on a suddain divided it self before them and so they miraculously escaped safe In this City is a Colledge for all the sciences but most particularly they here study the Civil and Canon Laws and from her have issued many illustrious persons as Santa Agatha which the Palermitans will call of their City a Virgin Martyr who under Quintiano in the yeer of our salvation 152 suffered Martyrdome for Christ and Carondo the Philosopher and Legislator and he that was reputed the great Magus Diodorus or Liodorus Hence came also Nicolo Todisco called the Abbot or Panormitano the great Cnnonist and Cardinal who wrote so many books of the Canon Laws
to pass in Coaches for greater reputation Tacitus in his 12th book clearly proves who speaking of Agrippina saies That shee to agrandize her reputation this way was drawn to the Campidoglio in a Caroach a thing then only permitted to the Priests and holy Druides for their dignity This custom was likewise used by the Virgins as may be collected from the first book of Artimedorus his Positions and chiefly of the Vestals who were carryed in Litters attended by many servants with great Pomp as Saint Ambrose relates in his first Epistle to Valentinian But the Romon Bishops besides the Chariot and Coach wherein they publiquely passed through the City had also a supportable Chair wherein being sate it was carryed upon the shoulders of Men deputed to that service and who lived upon that profession which is manifest enough not only from that place of Duoaio where he saies that in the fifth Synod was placed the Chair or Throne of the Apostolick confession but also more clearly from the most antient Roman Order written before Gelasius the Popes time wherein we finde expressions to this sence viz. When the Pope is entred into the Church he does not instantly advance to the Altar but first goes into the Vestry sustained by Deacons who received assisted him while he descended from his Chair and to that effect the said Order several times relates the Ceremony of placing the Pope in the Chair when he was to take any Journey and to sustain him by the Arms in descent from the Chair being arrived at the place where he resolved to stay In which words is also to be observed that the said Order calls this Pontifical Chair in Latin Sellare which properly signifies a Majestick Throne made for dignity it being a Chair wrought with Art and proportionable thereto As to the Popes being born up by hands t is easily manifested that he was so supported not only at his descent from the Chair but also upon several other occasions when not at all in the Chair which is proved by the examples of many Popes As Stephen the second saies Palatina and Francesco Giovanetto in the 90th Chapter was carried upon shoulders in the Church of Constantine and then in the Laterano and Adrian the second was so born up in the Laterano by the Clergy and by the chief of the Nobility the Comunalty then contending with the Clergy and Nobility for that honourable Office as appears in the descriptions the 63d Chapter which begins Cum Adrianus Secundus c. And Gregory the ninth was so sustained in the Laterano laded with Gemmes and Gold At which custome none ought to wonder since so long before prophesied by Esaiah in the 49th Chapter be these words Et efferent filios tuos in Uluis filias super humeros portabunt in our English Translation t is thus rendred And they shall bring thy Sons in their Arms and thy Daughters shall be carryed upon their shoulders The occasion for which custome proceeds from the great reverence wherewith the Princes of the World ought to observe the Presidents of the Church which Princes ought not to omit any convenient honour due to the Church and so consequently to the head thereof It stands with good reason too that the Pope should be born up on high to the end that on the one side he may the better see and bestow his Benediction on the People comitted to him and that the People may on the other side behold their Head acknowledging him for Gods Vicar and thence fortifie themselves in the confession of the Catholick Faith The same PIGHIO speaks of the Coronation of the Pope in this sence ALL Princes for demonstration of the Majesty of Empire have worn a golden Crown David who reigned before Homer and before all the antient writers at this day extant had such a Crown as is proved in the 12th Chapter of the second Book of Kings the which he took to himself from one of the Cities of the Amâ—…onites by him overcome in warr which who desires may read in the words of the cited Text. Ciassare King of the Medes as saies Zonara in the first Tome sent a certain beautifull Daughter of his own to Cyrus with a golden Crown upon her head and with the whole province of Media for Dowry The Romans triumphing carryed a Crown of Gold as Golliote relates which might seem improperly and erroneously declared in respect all historians write that the Emperors Triumphing were crowned with Lawrel if Tertullian did not remove this doubt in his Tract entituled De Corona Militis and Pliny in his 21st Book the third Chapter saies that the Radiant Crowns were composed with Leaves of Gold and silver Zonara in the second Tome describing the Pompe of a Triumph saies that while triumphing they carryed two Crowns one was placed on the head of the Emperor which was of Lawrel the other which was of Gold and enterwoven with pretious stones was born up over the head of the Emperour by the hands of a publique Minister who stood upon the same Chariot whereof Juvenal speaks in the tenth Satyr saying Tantum orbem quanto cervix non sufficit ulla Quippe tenet sudans hanc publicus sibi Consul Ne placeat curru servus Portatur eodem And Valerius Paterculus saies that this Crown of Gold was of the colour of a Rain-bow to demonstrate the signe of a certain Divinity speaking of Augustus Caesar Octavins in his second Book As also of the same make clear mention calling it Radiante and Lucide Suetoninus in the life of Augustus the 44th Chapter Pliny in his Panegyrick the unknown Author in the Panegyrick dedicated to Maximilianus and Latinus Peccatus in Panegyrick whose words would take up too much room to set down here Moreover Ammianus Marcellinus in the 17th book treating of the sharp pointed Pyramids saies that they were wont to place Crowns on the heads of statues which he again confirms in the 24th Book from which testimonies Lazius collects in his 9th Book of Commentaries of the Roman Republique that our Predecessors derived the custome of placing on the heads of the Images of Saints in the Churches Crowns figured in the form of the raies of the Sun chiefly for that those images being adorned with such Crownes seemed to have I know not what kind of splendour and Divinity which reason though it be not altogether from the purpose yet t is not altogether to be maintained for that we rather think that this usage and custome had its original from that splendour which hath been often seen miraculously to shine on the heads of the Saints Being that as Abdias in the 5th Book and Eusebius in the second of his Histories relate the Apostles were often overshadowed with such a Light as human eye could not behold them as of old fell out to Moses whose Face when he had had that near conference with God did shine so bright that Aaron and the children of Israel were afraid to