ficklenesse Therefore what is said of the peace which we are now in hand with with the Turks may be said of whatsoever other agreement made with any other Princes which is easily broken by severall accidents nor will there be pretences of injuries wanting when men are pleased to take them and they are easily made to do so by the hope of aggrandizing and accommodating themselves Wherefore we see friendship lasts but a while amongst Princes and the lesser while by how much they are the more powerfull and neerer neighbours But howsoever you will say we must not forbear to use Treaties oftner then Arms nor must we refuse a short quiet because we cannot enjoy a perpetual tranquillity There is at least thus much good in peace as it secures us from present labours and dangers and this ill in Leagues as they upon uncertain hopes expose us to certain expence and to great dangers so as we hasten those evills by these means which we seek to shun It hath therefore been the constant purpose of this Senate for these many years to do any thing whereby the friendship of the Turks might be preserved and yet there was not any one that did doubt when war was resolved on that such a confederacy as this which is now proposed might be had but all confess'd that little good was to be hoped for by it because it was known that it was dangerous for us to suffer the Turks greatnesse to encrease so much this remedy of a League was not thought very fitting for it and not to be used but upon great necessity as was now done when we despaired to allay Selino 's fury in the heighth of his anger What is now to be done when we see the State of affairs somewhat altered but to temporise with the enemy whom we cannot suppresse to make him jealous by this treaty of League to sweeten him with a treaty of peace to keep severall waies open and to follow that which time and affairs will shew us shall be most for our good and as God shall inspire us to do for the preservation of our Common-wealth These words wrought variously upon the Senate so as they remained still in the same irresolution but most of them being enclined towards the League whereunto they were much perswaded for fear of some scandalls that might be imputed to them of inconstancy for having so soon altered their minds as if they were mated by the first misfortunes of war The question was put and carried by many voices of sending to their Embassadours which were at Rome to stipulate the League which was the sense of the answer which they gave to Colonna who presently after returned to Rome where the Pope hearing of this determination made the Catholick King 's Embassadour and those of the Common-wealth be publickly brought into the Consistory and making what they had agreed upon be readd by the Datory he laying his hand upon his breast was the first that swore to observe those capitulations wherein he was followed by Paceco in the name of the Catholick King Gravella being gone for Naples and then the King's Embassadour and those of the Common-wealth took the same oath upon a Masse-book and the next day though the Venetian-Embassadours were against it saying That in point of honour any such declaration should be deferred till that Cesar might have notice thereof and his pleasure therein might be more expresly known the Pope a solemn Masse being onely said and a Procession made in St. Peter's Church would have the League published whereof these were the particular Articles That a perpetuall League should be made between Pius the 5th who engaged himself for the Apostolick See and for his Successors by the consent of the Colledge of Cardinalls and Philip the Catholick King and the Duke and Senate of Venice to abate the power of the Turks who had lately by force of Arms assaulted the Kingdom of Cyprus which lay very fitting for the enterprise of the holy Land That the Colleagues forces should consist of 200 Gallies 100 Ships 50000 Foot Italians Spanish and Dutch 4500 Horse with a suitable train of Artillery and Ammunition which were to be employed as well in defence of the associate Princes Dominions as in opposing the Enemie particularly in the enterprises of Algiers Tripoli and Tunis That these forces should meet at Otranto in May next or in the beginning of Aprill so to paste into the Levant and proceed against the Enemie as time should advise and as the Commanders should think fit That notwithstanding these things might be altered the provisions of war be increased or diminished according as the need or conditions of the enterprises should require which they were intended for which was every year to be consulted upon and determined at Rome in the Autumn And that if it should be resolved not to undertake any common enterprise that year it might then be lawfull for any of the Associates to minde their own particular affairs chiefly the King of Spain those of Algiers Tunis and Tripoli in which case if no great Turkish Fleet should be abroad the Venetians should be obliged to furnish the King with 50 Gallies and the King was bound to do as much for the Venetians if they should attempt any thing against the common enemy within their Gulph Provided alwaies that those who would have any such assistance should first have greater forces in readinesse That all the confederates should be bound reciprocally to defend each others Dominions which should be assaulted by the Turks and particularly all places belonging to the Church in which case they were to give over all enterprises that were begun against the Turks That the King was to contribute the full half of all the expences of the war and that the other half being divided into three parts the Venetians should defray two parts and the Pope the third who not being able to contribute so much of himself the other confederates should make good what was wanting of that Proportion of three parts whereof the King was to pay two and the Venetians one who moreover should be particularly obliged to give the Pope 12 Gallies furnisht with tackling and Artillery which the Pope was to man for the service of the League but that generally every confederate should be bound to contribute such things for the common cause as he should most abound in and the others want which should be regulated in the accounts according to the aforesaid proportion That the exportation of Corne should alwaies be open in all places with a limited tax for the carrying out and that they should be extracted from such place or places as lay fittest for the occasion their needs being first satisfied who were to give way thereunto that in all consultations and deliberations the Commanders in chief of the three Confederates were to intervene and what the most should determine should be firmly concluded but the execution of what should be resolved on
That Soliman 's anger would not be a little encreased by the refusing his offers who held himself scandalized by what the Fleet had done and as was said by the Grandees of that Court by the small account that was made of his person no Embassadour being sent to him when he came so near the States dominions as was usually done upon like occasions to other Princes Moreover this silence would make the Turks more diligent in making the greater preparation for war since they must needs finde we had no minde to have peace In fine that to advance so far in the treaty of League without proposing any thing of peace had no other aspect but of enforcing the Senate to embrace the resolution of continuing in war which if well weighed was of all things most to be abhorred But these things were thus answered by those who thought it the safer safer way to treat of League then of Peace That they were not alienated from the thought of peace but did endeavour to provide so for the emergencies of the present times as they might be able to sustain war That therefore they did not without just cause forbear writing at the present to Constantinople lest they might make the Christian Princes jealous whereby they might slacken their providing for war That there remained many things yet to be considered before the League could be concluded wherein time might be protracted and when things should be drawn nearer to a head they might have better occasion to know the Turks mindes and so bear both the League and Peace in hand at once and pitch upon what might be thought best for the Common-wealth That too much haste could onely discover their weaknesse the more unto the Turks and make them more insolent in their Articles of Agreement the which the more they should seem to desire it would be had upon the harder tearms That no matter of expence was to be had in consideration since howsoever they were to arm themselves and to treat of peace with their weapons in their hands not to prejudice the conditions of peace and not to commit themselves too rashly to the discretion and faith of their perfidious enemies These reasons were alleadged for the League and the businesse at Constantinople was deferr'd But at last many being desirous that somewhat should be written and that the businesse should not be totally given over it was proposed unto the Senate That the Consul might tell the Bashaw Aiace That the Common-wealth had great reason to complain of Soliman who unprovoked by any publick injury had broke the peace and sent his men in hostile manner to Corfu without expecting Orsino's return sent by his consent nay by his order to Venice and with promise not to attempt any novelty till by his return it might be known what the truth of those passages was which the Turks took ill and who was really in the fault That it had alwaies been the stedfast intention of the Senate to preserve peace and amity with that Empire and that upon occasion of so many wars made by Soliman they had never disturbed his enterprises but had alwaies kept their word inviolably and kept constant to their neutrality That at this very time Generall Pesaro dreamt of nothing lesse then of impeding his Captains designes no not of giving them any suspition but that he was come into the Gulph to joyne with the other sea-Captains and shun such accidents but that being driven by the winds he was forc'd to passe into the Rivers of Puglia where the Turkish Fleet lay That they did believe Soliman stood well affected to the Common-wealth as he was affirmed to do and well inclined to peace since being a just and a wise Prince he knew it became him to preserve friendship with the Venetians who had given him no occasion to the contrary Nor was it fitting that good intelligence between Princes should be broken by the inconsiderate actions of any particular Officers That therefore they were confident he would restore the goods of private Merchants which were detained who upon the faith of so great a Prince were perswaded to trade in his Dominions Their intention hereby was that the Consul seeking by such discourse as this to fift somewhat more particularly into the Turks thoughts should begin if he should find any good hopes to commence the Treaty of peace This proposall being made in the Senate three daies were spent about it which being over there wanted two votes to make the businesse be resolved upon so as there was nothing decided in the point though it had been long disputed by personages of great dignity and authority The promises of these Princes had made so great an impression in the minds of all men as confiding very much therein and being therefore desirous to shun any the least suspition that the League was not really intended by them they would listen to nothing which might perswade to the contrary Don Lopes the Cesarian Embassadour hearing of this irresolution he hoped that the Common-wealth might be brought to a nearer conjunction with Cesar He therefore renued the motion of uniting the Fleets which had formerly been made by him and Doria He appeared in the Colledge and laboured much to perswade that for the common service no longer delay should be made in giving order to our Generalls to go to Messina and joyne with Doria's Gallies who he said had sufficient commission from the Emperour in that point and that he should not be wanting in any thing which concerned the good and safety of Christendom and in particular that of the Common-wealth He shewed That the Emperour stood very well affected to the common good and that his forces should be answerable to this his affection for besides the Fleet now in being other ships of all sorts were arming in the Spanish Havens and great provisions of men and monies were raising throughout all his dominions That the Emperour Charles desired to justifie himself alwaies before both God and man that he had discharged his part gallantly not having spared either expence or labour to quell the pride of the enemies of Christendom That he had therefore at all times solicited other Princes whose interest was concern'd in this common cause to know the dangers which grew daily greater tending to the ruine of Christianity which he by reason of his greatnesse might live freer from then any other but that he did more value the common good then his own particular concernment That there needed no new examples to shew that the weaknesse of Christian Princes and the exaltation of their enemies proceeded from their own luke warmnesse That the last unfortunate successe of Rhodes might be considered which being assaulted by this very Soliman and not succoured by any Christian Prince fell miserably into the power of the Turks to the so much losse prejudice and shame of all Christendom But that there was some excuse for those successes then since those Princes
get first into the Gulph and escape danger which notwithstanding became the greater by their disorderly flight for their Gallies having their poops turned towards ours were exposed to the shot which was made against them not being able either to defend themselves nor to be assisted by their Gallies which remained in the Gulph keeping the mouth thereof shut as they entred in Which when Doria saw who was in the Bataglia he likewise advanc'd so far on the other side as it was thought he meant to block up the mouth of the Haven and to hinder the enemy from entring so as being assaulted both on the Flanck and on the Poop they must needs be beaten yet soon after when he was come nearer up unto them he by unexpected and uncommunicated counsell sent orders to the Fleet that all the Gallies under pain of severe punishment should forthwith retreat and being quickly assembled he made them go to Cape Ducato in the Island of Santa Maura to the great wonder and dislike of all the whole Fleet complaining and speaking freely against Doria that they had lost a great opportunity of suppressing a good part of the Enemies Fleet without any losse at all unto themselves The Generalls fell then to treat again concerning what was to be done wherein they were the more doubtful because they were altogether ignorant of the Enemies intention who might be said to have shewed both courage and fear at the same time as desiring and shunning battel Some were of opinion that a squadron of Gallies should be sent to batter the Castle of Lepanto saying that Barbarossa would not send any of his Gallies out of the Gulph again without urgent occasion and that if the Enemy should come forth into open Sea it would be in their power to fight upon any whatsoever advantage Others were for returning presently to Pevesa for if the Turkish Fleet would not stirre from their station they might attempt the taking of the Castle and if it should advance they should give opportunity of being fought with upon disadvantage for they might be assaulted before they could put themselves in order This advice was commended as that which brought with it more reputation to our Fleet and more certainty of suppressing the enemy The confederates Fleet went then on the 28 of Sept. from the Island of St. Maura in the same order as formerly and made towards the Enemy but the winde which was favourable unto them at their first putting forth failing them as they sayled they were forced with great inconveniency and slowness to make their ships be towed to keep them from being separated from their Gallies whereby the Turks had time and opportunity afforded them not onely of comming out of the Gulph but of being able contrary to opinion to order their squadrons at Sea as they listed So as before the League 's Fleet could come near the gulphs mouth they discovered that the Enemies Fleet being come forth in good order came with a prosperous wind towards them Then said Doria VVe have â—nkenneld our Enemy as it was our intention to do we may now fight if we please but the businesse must be well considered it is of great importance and repentance will come too late VVe must think that by joyning battel now we do not onely hazard this Fleet to the fortune of a few hours but also the reputation of the Confederate Princes nay I may say the welfare of Christendom For if these forces shall be lost what means is there to raise another Fleet to oppose the Enemy and stop the course of their Victory VVhat hopes is there to defend the Maritime parts without forces at Sea or to keep them from falling irrecoverably into the Turks hands and then turning to the Venetian Generall be added That it was he who was most to weigh these respects since it was his Common-wealth which upon any sinister accident would run most hazard To which Capello answered That he had commission from the Senate to fight the Enemies Fleet when he should meet with an opportunity that upon such an occasion he could not but obey these orders that he did humbly thank God for it and that he was very confident that the goodnesse of their cause and their generous resolution would be accompanied with happy successe to the great good service of Christendom and to their own particular praise He therefore desired that the most dangerous place in the battel might be allotted to him and he would willingly accept it The Patriark Grimani shew'd the same ready desire to come presently to the Conflict and though he had first advised to go to Lepanto yet seeing the Enemy was come forth he was as forward for fighting as any of the rest When Doria saw that all were for fighting So be it then said he and good be our speed He presently caused the standard to be set up giving requisite orders for it and said he would be the first who should assault the Enemy with his squadron All were over-joy'd at this resolution of giving battel so great hopes had the terrible aspect of the confederates Fleet begot in them together with the advertisement they had of the Turks weaknesse which made them believe they would not accept of battel but that having made this shew for their reputation they would fall back again into the Gulph Every one with joyfull countenance made themselves and their arms ready and diligently discharged the severall duties which were deputed unto them The Captains were not wanting in exhorting and in incouraging the rest to fight manfully They laid before them â—he weightinesse and the easinesse of the Victory the rich booty which they should have the military honour the immortall glory which was prepared for them in all ages and after these assured present rewards the hopes of greater things in the future That the Enemy was sufficiently inferiour to them for number of ships but much more in their goodnesse Aâ—ms and in their souldierâ— valour so as the greatest difficulty of Victory seemed to lie in beginning the conflict which the Turks would not be able to resist but that as their greatest hopes of safety lay in being able to get safe into their friends country so would it make them the more remiss in fighting and would be the cause that their gallies and goods would be the assalliants secure prey They wisht them not to fear no not though they should have reason to do so â—ince fear adds not to security but weakning mens forces and bereaving them of counsell makes their danger the greater That they needed nothing but courage and speed so to cut off the way by Sea from the Enemy as they might not by â—â—ight bereave them of the almost assured victory Doria would lead the way with his Gallies keeping on the right hand of the Sea he assigned the Battle to Capello appointed Gremani to keep in the reere to the end that he might be able with his squadron
restoring of Castel Nuovo He alleadged that the Common-wealth was to disburse the pay which was behind hand to the Spanish Foot for having guarded the Fort And touching the speedy dispatch of the Fleet that he intending to go in it himself in person there was was need of greater Forces and preparations and consequently longer time would be required But in some of these things reason and in othersome both reason and actions shewed that he aimed not at equity nor at the common good His words were very magnificent and his promises great but not without great suspition that his onely end was to keep the Venetians ty'd by the league to the end that he might make use of their Forces and friendship as far as might concern his own service not the common good for it was understood that Protestations were made in severall Courts which were held in the Kingdom wherein he was advised by the chief men of the Provinces not to depart the Kingdom Moreover he was so bare of money as if he had really intended to go himselfe in person with the Fleet he would not be able to maintain the expences which his comming would occasion out of these reasons it was conceived that the Venetians had not onely cause but were necessitated to think more of Peace then of War they were the more incouraged to attend this treaty of Peace out of hopes that they might obtain it of the Turks upon reasonable conditions For the Turks proceeding with more respect had made the Bailo be removed from the Tower del mare Magiore to Constantinople and likewise gave notice that they would quickly set all the Venetian Merchants at liberty which they accordingly did giving them time to negotiate their businesse being bound one for another not to go themselves in person nor to send their merchandize out of the confines of the Ottoman Empire There was likewise one Antonio da Modone come to Venice who lived then at Zante and brought Letters with him written to him upon his own private occasions by Gianusbei wherein he affirm'd the Grand Seigneur and the Bascia were well inclin'd to peace so as if an Embassador should be sent to that purpose to Constantinople some conclusion might soon be had in the point wherein Gianusbei willingly offered his best indeavours provided he were desired so to doe Out of these respects the Councill often thought it fit to begin a Treaty of Peace But to the end that the businesse might be carried with more secrecy and reputation they would not send at that time any publick person to Constantinople but gave commission to Lorenza Gritti natural Son to the Doge to go to Constantinople under pretence of following his own private affairs and particularly the recovery of certain merchandize belonging to a Brother of his lately dead at Constantinople His Commission was first to treat of a generall Truce and to insist thereupon as much he could that he might bring it to some conclusion But if the Turks should not assent thereunto he was then to advance the treaty of Peace for the Common-wealth wherein the former Capitulations were to be observed and all places taken by either party in that War were to be restored The King of France had likewise interposed himselfe in this Treaty of Truce who to this purpose had sent a servant of his to Constantinople but it was soon seen there was small hopes of bringing this Treaty to a good end for the Turks seemed to be very farre from comming to any agreement with Caesar having propounded and procured peace with the Venetians purposely that they might turn their Armies the more commodiously and with the greater force against him As soon as Gritti's going to Constantinople was divulged though the true occasion thereof was concealed it was soon suspected that he went to treat of Peace wherefore Don Diego Hurtado di Mendosa who was then Embassador from the Emperour at Venice discovered this his suspition in a private Audience in the Colledge modestly complaining that they should think of making an agreement with the common enemy and not comprehend the Emperour therein who was a friend and confederate of the Common-wealth and afterwards he in a long Oration disswaded them from treating of peace with the Turks What assurance said he what security can you have that these Barbarians will stand to the Agreement whereunto they shall assent not out of any desire of peace which they use naturally to abborre nor out of any good will to the Common-wealth since they hate the very name of Christian to death but onely out of some particular end or accommodation of their own that they may dissolve this league weaken the chiefest Potentates of Christendome and oppress the rest If it be the matter of expence which makes you alter your mind from continuing War you ought to consider that Peace doth not free you from it but renders it vain and uselesse for the Emperour will by no meanes be brought to an agreement with the Turks and whilest these shall be in Arms and shall have two great Fleets at Sea will you wise Seigneurs be unarmed will you trust the safety of your State to the uncertain faith of others Surely no body will believe it It would be a thing certainly to be desired that your State had not so formidable Neighbours as are the Turks and that you might injoy quiet and tranquillity free from so many jealousies and disaccommodations But since the present condition of times and affairs is such as that expence danger and labour must be undergone it should be thought a great good fortune that in this age and upon this occasion there is so powerfull a Prince in Christendom as may by his Forces counterpoise the Turkish power and who out of his desires and well-wishings to the common good is ready to expose not onely his Forces but his very Person to the hazard of War so to abate the pride of these common Enemies To this answer was made That the Common-wealth had been already two years in league yet she might truly affirm that it was she alone that had hitherto withstood the brunt of the Turkish Forces that the reasons were well known which had hindred the requisite speedy assistance and did therefore believe they might light upon the like misfortunes again Yet they had alwaies born and still did bear great respect to the Confederates That the King of France had indeavoured a generall truce at Constantinople that by accepting and favouring this Treaty he thought he did what concern'd the common service and that whereby the Common-wealth might reap many advantages and if nothing else the benefit of time which the Emperour himselfe thought very necessary for the well ordering of all things touching his voyage to the Eastern parts The like passages were had at the Court between Caesar himselfe and the Venetian Embassador But they produced no effects neither of spurring up Caesar to prepare for War nor of
hopes from them then they had reason to do formerly That now all men knew the common cause was in question and were all therefore bound to joyne in the maintaining thereof That in the mean time they should not by setting new businesse on foot make them grow cool and jealous so as they might with reason refuse to affye in them whom they should see so afraid at the very fame of danger and who after such preparations for war should so easily give way to thoughts of peace They added moreover that the condition of the common-wealth was to be considered the state of affairs being reduced to that passe as she was continually in many grievious dangers which were not lessened by time but made greater daily That therefore they ought not to give those that should succeed them occasion to complain as much of them as they did now of their predecessors for having suffered the Ottaman family to grow so powerfull And that such a fault would be now more heinous as that they knowing the danger better then peradventure their â—â—â—â—fathers did and being more necessitated to provide for their own safety would not do it preferring the conveniencies of a short and uncertain peace before the honourable troubles of War whereby the Forces of Christendom joyning together they might hope to procure greater safety to themselves and posterity The hearts of all men not being onely confirm'd by these reasons but even inflamed on War it was by a generall consent of the whole Colledge propounded to the Senate and the advice of dispatching the Chiaus away quickly with few and resolute words accepting the War which he was to denounce against them was approved of But that which was wont to be said is true the too great desire of things doth often make the obtaining thereof more difficult and the truth not being suffered to be seen things are brought to an end differing from what too ardent a desire had framed unto it selfe Surely the doubt propounded that the Princes might grow suspitious that they would treat of some Agreement with the Turks if they should return a slower and lesse positive answer to this Embassy was more prevalent than any other Reasons which made it be apprehended that the treaty of League which the Venetians did so much desire and which was hopefully begun might be interrupted and it is most certain that when news of the Chiaus comming was brought to Rome those who treated of the League for the Catholick King began to be more jealous in the businesse and it was afterwards more clearly known that these jealousies and these suspitions did more then any other reason remove many difficulties which arose in this Agreement But the answer being resolved upon and Cubat being already come to the City shore where he was made to tarry in the same Gally which had brought him from Ragugi and all commerce was forbidden him order was given that he unaccompanied by any save Secretary Buonrizzo and two Dragomani should be privately brought into the Colledge without any such honours as are wont to be given to such as come from that Court upon any publick businesse yet he had the usuall place allotted him which is the right side of the Princes Chair being thus brought to audience he kiss'd the Princes Garment and sitting down after he had made many reverences he drew forth a Purse embroydered with Gold wherein accordding to the custome of that Nation Selino's Letter was and said This most Illustrious Prince is a Letter from my Lord and Master when his demands therein shall be known I will expect an answer Which the Prince saying he should have he was somewhat troubled that no more was said unto him and added Gentlemen Mehemet the first Bashaw hath willed me to tel you that he is very sorry that occasion is hapned of breaking that peace which he hath alwaies indeavoured to preserve But the so many complaints made at Court from so many places of the unfriendly behaviour of the Officers of this State and chiefly of the harbour and favour given in Cyprus to the western Pirats by whom the Musselmans have been much indammaged this very year have made such impression in the grand Signor and so incensed him against this State finding that his indeavours often used with the Consulls hath done no good as he can no longer forbear intimating of War unto you and knowing that you will not be able long to resist the power of so puissant a Prince be as a friend adviseth you rather to chuse any other means to free your selves from so many and so great dangers And to this end he hath procured me to be sent to this City and offers to interpose himselfe in all he can to keep you from falling into this great misfortune and to preserve you in the ancient friendship of the Grand Signeur This being said he gave them a Letter from the same Bashaw which contained all that he had said To all which the Prince answered That the Senate had resolved upon an answer the which that he might be the better able to understand and to relate again the very words should be read unto him which was done by Antonio Milledonne one of the Secretaries of the Councill of Ten the answer was this That the Senate did very much wonder why his Master being unprovoked by any injury should violate the Oath wherewith he had but a little before confirm'd the peace and that he might pick a quarrel to make war with them should demand the surrender of a Kingdom which had been for so many years lawfully and peacefully possest by the Common-wealth which he might be sure they would by no means part with But that since he was pleased to proceed in this manner the Venetian Senate would never be wanting in defending what was theirs hoping to be the better able to do it for that the goodnesse of their cause would procure them the assistance both of God and Man He was afterwards told that when his Masters Letters were translated they should be read and an answer should be sent him And thus without any further discourse the Chiaus was dismist The Letter began with many complaints against the Venetians for their having disturbed the ancient confines of Dalmatia which were prescribed to each of their Dominions in the Agreement made by their Predecessors that contrary to the ancient and new Articles they had tane away the life from many Musselman Pirats after they had been taken alive in fight But particularly that refuge was continually given in the Island of Cyprus to the western Pirats who infested his adjoyning parts and hindred the Navigation of his subjects upon those Seas wherefore he demanded in the latter part That if the Venetians would continue their ancient friendship they should yield up the Kingdom of Cyprus so to take away the chiefe occasion which nourisht these discords and that otherwise they were to prepare to sustain a sore War
contrary to the course which they were now to steer if they should return to Corfu whereas it was very good for Don John to come into the Levant who bringing 50 gallies with him he might easily and safely come to them and that when they should be all met together they were likely to meet with some occasion of attempting some enterprises in the Levant which might become the name preparations of the League whilst the season of the year which was already well advanced might permit them to do so These reasons not being allowed of by Colonna noâ— by Gill d' Andradâ— they were full of doubts and difficulties These thought they might go safely with 100 gallies towards Zante and thereby secure Don Johns voyage and send the greater Vessels the mean while to the Island of Candia whither they might soon and easily get and be free from all danger They said no other course could be thought good savâ— what made for the conjunction of the Leagues Fleet. For whilst their forces should be divided so as they should neither have small gallies enough nor men of War to follow the Enemy in all places or to fall upon any other enterprise nor yet being able to force the Enemy to fight with their greater Vessels it appeared clearly that their longer tarrying in those parts would be totally to no purpose which being well known to Uluzzali had been the cause why he was gone as it was reported to Brazzo di Maina to keep the Fleets from meeting which if he should be able to do it would make much for the safety of his own affairs and would frustrate all their designs Whilst this important resolution remained yet undecided a Frigate arrived very seasonably from Don Iohn which brought word that he would not take his voyage before the first of August Which news though it afforded occasion of accommodating the Commanders first disputes more easily yet did it not free them from all trouble for they therewith understood that Don Iohn would not advance much with his gallies but that he by express Orders and Letters willed the Generalls to return and meet him which by reason of the contrary winds they being to bring along vvith them so many great Vessels could not be done without great losse of time vvithout much danger and without much dissatisfaction to the Inhabitants of the Islands subject to the Venetian Dominion if they should abandon them at a time when the Enemy was so strong at Sea and so near them but howsoever they joyntly resolved to obey Don Iohns orders and because it vvas thought almost impossible to do so and bring the greater Vessels along with them they resolved to go first to the Island of Candia and there leave the Ships and Galliasses as in a place of safety and to cross the Sea towards Zante with the lesser gallies But this vvas not done by reason that they heard the Enemies Fleet was discovered upon the Vatica and that it made towards Cape Malio wherefore thinking they might safely pursue the nearer way to meet Don Iohn the whole Christian Fleet went to Brazzo di Maina from whence Uluzzali was gone but a little before The winde turning fair for them into the North-west they sayled in three days from hence to Zante where not meeting with Don Iohn as they had well hoped to have done but with new orders from him whereby he desired them to come to Câ—falonia they were necessitated to leave the ships there though in apparant danger the Enemy not being gone so far but that upon notice thereof they might return and possess themselves of them and being told that they did do this as was suspected by many that they would do some of those that bore chiefest authority in the Spanish Fleet moved that since it was so hard a thing to succour the ships they should give order for firing them but Generall Foscherini detesting this advice resolved to send Commissary Quirini with 25 gallies to free them from danger and to bring them to the Fleet as he did safely At last they past from Cefalonia to Corfu whither Don Iohn was come himselfe in person with 55 gallies 33 ships 15000 foot on the ninth of August Who though at first he did not conceal his displeasure for their not having waited his comming he being thereby necessitated as not having sufficient forces of himselfe to pass into the Levant to lie so long idle and little to his honour at Corfu yet he was pleased to say he would speak no more of what was past and strove very much to make it be believed that he was greatly desirous to do any thing which might be for the reputation and advantage of the League And herein he did the more expatiate himselfe and shew'd the greater affection because he heard it was publickly said in the Fleet that he was come onely to make a certain kind of Appearance but not with any intention or commission to do any thing and that therefore he had cunningly prolonged the time seeking excuses and avoiding any occasion of incountring the enemy or to fall upon any enterprise Which suspitions did notwithstanding still increase the more since after so many delayes he came to no settled resolution because he expected the Duke of Sessa with the Spanish Gallies But at last it being thought joyntly by them all that their forces were sufficient for all of them being numbred together the Leagues Fleet was found to consist of 194 gallies and 8 galliasses and 45 ships whereof 30 were Spanish and 15 Venetians they were all mustered at the Gomenizze before they advanced and resolved in what order to proceed if they should have occasion to joyn battel The three Generalls were placed in the midst with 72 gallies the Marquiss of Santa Croce led on the right wing Commissary Soranzo took care of the left and each wing consisted of 52 gallies the Van wherein were 6 galliasses was committed to the charge of Fra. Pietâ—o Iustiniano Generall of Malta and Iovan di Cordona and Nicolo Donato brought up the reere with 22 gallies The Galliasses which were commanded by il Duado and placed before the smaller gallies according to the first orders stood four of them in the front of the battel and two before every wing The ships were commanded by Don Roderigo Mendosa and by Adriano Bragadino it being resolved to carry them along to Zante and then to leave them there that they might be the readier for any whatsoever design but with intention to make use thereof onely for the conveiance of victualls and ammunition which they carried along with them and not for any use of War in point of fighting All things being thus ordered the Fleet parted from Paru on the eleventh of September not having resolved upon any thing as yet save onely to advance and then do what they should be invited unto by the Turks proceedings which by the relation of the gallies which were sent before to