to the neighbouring shores that the Triesteene Vessels which were but weakly furnisht might be resisted and be made to suspect that force should be used against them Whilst these things were in Treaty Iovan Francisco de Pazzi a Florentine came to Venice to deliver up the Fort of Marano in the name of Pietro Stozzi to the Common-wealth receiving a reasonable reward and to tell them if they should not listen to this offer of his he should be forc't to treat with some other great Prince who he knew would willingly accept of it And it was generally said every where that Strozzi being resolved not any ways to deliver up that Fort to Ferdinando and intending to make what advantage he could of it might easily close with the Turks The King of France had left Marano in the free power of Strozzi in reward of the service he had done that Crown and as others more expresly said in account for great debts which he pretended unto and that he therefore affirmed Strozzi might doe with the Town what he listed Yet it was thought that nothing was done without the knowledge and particular consent of the King of France whose Embassador then resident at Venice as soon as the Agreement was made did much commend the Senates resolution and did thank them for it in his Kings name The Venetians were much troubled at the businesse for the receiving or refusing of the offer was a trouble unto them in divers respects They desired to shun doing of any thing that might displease Ferdinando and much more to occasion any jealousies that they had had any hand in Strozzi's Counsells but to permit that a place so near the Towns of Venice standing as it were upon her own shore should fall into the hands of the Turks was too hard and prejudiciall a businesse and which might prove injurious not onely to the Common-wealth but to all Christendom Being therefore reduced to this necessity they resolved to listen to Pazzi's proposall and two Senators Antonio Capello and Francesco Contarini were appointed to treat with him upon the particulars After many meetings the businesse was conculded thus That upon the delivery up of Marano to the Common-wealth Strozzi was to receive 35000 Duckets Thus Alexander Bondemiere was chosen Commissary of the Town who accompanied by Pazzi and a few foot was received in and had the Town delivered into his hands by Strozzi and with the peoples applause Some of the chiefe of them swore allegiance to the Common-wealth they afterward acquainted the Emperour and Ferdinando with all that was done alleadging just reasons for this their necessary resolution That their actions for two years last past might sufficiently witnesse their sincerity during all which time they would not onely listen to these practises which had been proffer'd them severall times before but had readily given passage victuals and all other commodities to Ferdinando's men for the recovery of Marano that they had considered that Town was of no moment to Ferdinando's affairs neither for State Confines nor advantage that he got thereby but that it would have been very dangerous for his other Territories if it should have fallen into the Turks hands as it was apparent it would have done if they had continued to have dispised Strozzi's offer these reasons being handsomely represented to these Princes by Bernando Navagiero and Marino de Cavalli the one being sent Embassador to Caesar the other to the King of the Romanes did appease them who were at first much incenst at this accident But the condition of the Times did chiefly make them capable of these reasons for a Dyet being intimated to be held in Spire in the beginning of the year 1544. wherein the chief Lords of Germany were to intervene to treat of important affairs of making War with the French and of withstanding that which the Turks made with them the Emperour and the King of the Romanes were wholly bent upon these Negotiations and preparations And as they did much desire this so they hoped that the Common-wealth moved by the Authority of so many German Princes and Cities would suffer it selfe to be drawn into some confederacy when they should see that they had imbraced the enterprise against the Turks But the Emperour in particular was not free from suspitions that the Venetians so often attempted by the King of France should upon the taking of any distaste at his hands part from his confederacy and joyn with the King of France which troubled him the more at this time for that having made peace with the King of England and the Swissers he hoped he might prosper better in his attempts against France then he had done the last year wherein the good he had got was not answerable to his preparations for War For the French having lately relieved Landresi were returned with all their Forces safe into France and the imperial Army dispairing to get the Town gave over the enterprise Wherefore Cesar intending to fall upon France with more forces at the same time that it should be assaulted by the King of England was very desirous of the peace of Italy that his Forces might not be divided by being imployed elsewhere But on the contrary the King of France knowing all this placed much of his hopes in being able to defend and secure his own affairs by troubling the peace of Italy by assaulting Napolls and Millan so as Cesar should be necessitated to turn his Forces to defend those States which he so highly valued therefore considering the advantage he might make thereby either forgetting other respects so often considered by reason of his ardent desire or for that he hoped to bring him the more easily to some Agreement or that he believed time and accidents might make the Venetians alter their determinations he resolved to invite them once more by many offers to joyn in League with him against Cesar and to the end that the Authority of the person imploy'd might purchase more beliefe and honour to the businesse he sent the Cardinall of Ferrara to Venice who was received there very honourably and publick Complements being past he was brought according to his desire to private Audience in the Colledge where he spoke thus The occasion of this my coming hither and the proposal that I am to make as it may peradventure be cause of wonder to others so ought it to cause content and no small consolation to you wise Senators since that coming from a great King to make new intreaties and new confederacy with this Common-wealth after the having so often indeavoured your friendship may be a manifest sign of Francis King of France his good will towards you and your affairs and of the great esteem he hath of this Common-wealth and of her Forces it will sute with the wisdome which is attributed to you Gentlemen and with the praise which is particularly given to your Senate to know how to make good use of this Prince his well wishes
Which we may assure our selves of if we will reflect upon the many calamities whereinto we were led not many years ago by the like accident and through the too great desire of preserving these Cities the names whereof I wish may not prove fatal and as it were the original of many troubles to our Commonwealth The memory hereof is so fresh and so unfortunate as such an acquisition ought at all times to be abhorr'd by us Is this the first time that occasion hath been offer'd us amidst the so great revolution of the Affairs of Italy to possess our selves of these Cities Have we not been often invited thereunto of late years by the French And if we will remember well we shall find we have formerly had both better opportunity and juster occasion to do it both when the Pope hath had bad success and in the vacancy of the Popedom and when he shew'd himself to be an Enemy to the State Yet this very Senate hath always wisely dispised such invitations esteeming the loss certain and the benefit of such an acquisition but seeming And we ought now to continue the rather in the same opinion for that this small addition to our State if we were sure to keep in free and peaceable possession of these Cities it doth either block up the way of advancing to greater and more noble acquisitions or doth make it more difficult for if we succeed well in the business of Naples as we may hope to do if the Pope declare himself for the League or at least appear not an Enemy to it we shall recover many Towns in the parts about Puglia which belong unto us by articles which both by the condition of the Country by the conveniency of Havens and for the affection of those people towards our Commonwealth do in themselves and in hopes of greater matters deserve to be esteemed by us equal with whatsoever other acquisition the Commonwealth can make But I beseech you how do you think the King of France or the King of England will interpret our refusal or prolonging the delivery of Cervia and Ravenna to the Pope they being required by him Doth not the King of England profess that he engageth himself in this War only in regard of the Church and Pope as being desirous to preserve the name which he hath gotten of being Defender of the Faith And the King of France to whom as we have lately understood from our Embassadour the Pope hath intimated that he will enter into the League if he have these Towns restored what will he think of us if he shall see that we do neglect the so important Interests of the common Confederacy and yet it is in the friendship and assistance of these Princes that we must place our hopes We shall assuredly be drawn by their entreaty and by necessity to do that which now we shall deny to do and yet shall we lose all our thanks for this action from the Pope from whom we may expect so many favours and so much advantage and lose the praise of having defended the Dignity and State of the Church to which our Commonwealth hath always aspired And to say nothing of what hath been done by our Fore-fathers famous and worthy actions have not we our selves even now been at very great expence and hazarded our men to so many dangers to free the Pope out of prison and to drive the Imperialists out of the Churches Dominions Who will certainly have a fair pretence to keep those Towns which are in their hands when they shall see the same done by us since by our example they may cloak their designs with some excuse and seeming honesty But since I have heard those that are of a contrary opinion object more against the unseasonableness of the time then against the thing it self let us confider I beseech you whether being to do it it be not better for us to do it now then to defer it to another time and to another occasion Really I cannot see what more advantage can be hoped for from the resignation of those Towns then that which is now propounded since the Popes friendship can never make more for our advantage then at the present when it lies in his power either to further or obstruct our good success in the Kingdom of Naples according as he shall shew himself favourable or an Enemy to the League But if the affairs of War shall prove amiss as the worst is always to be feared for the end of War doth often differ from the beginning nay I will say more let what will happen if Cesar and the King of France shall agree as we very well know what Cesar hath often said that though he should lose the Kingdom of Naples intirely it will be in his power to re-have it whilst he hath so good a pawn in his hands as the Kings Sons What will be our condition when we shall be abandon'd by the King of France have the King of Spain our Enemy the Pope so far from befriending us that he will not be well satisfied with us and perhaps necessitated by contracts made with other Princes as it fell out in the times of Julio and of Leo to prosecute and offend us The fortune of the Common-wealth is not yet so well settled after so many storms as that we ought to lanch forth into the same Sea without fear of more dangers We by the good advice of temporizing have even in our greatest adversities not only saved but recovered our Commonwealth and her ancient Dignity more then we could have done by force of Arms. We may also hope for more prosperous success in the future if we walk in the same way But howsoever we ought always to endeavour to carry our selves so in all our actions as though better fortune may peradventure be wish'd for to our Common-wealth yet it may not be wish'd that this Senate had been wiser These words wrought much upon the Senators though most of them were formerly of another opinion Wherefore Luigi Mocenico who was one of the chief of the Colledg who had advised the Senate to dismiss the Popes Nuntio with an express negative standing up spoke thus If we shall regulate our thoughts and our opinions according to the various interpretations that may be given them and not according to reason we shall proceed so diversly and with such uncertainty in all our affairs as we shall make chance the guide of our counsels But certainly our actions have been such and such our intentions towards the common good and particularly towards the Apostolique See as there is no cause to doubt our faith and sincerity Have we seized upon the Cities of Cervia and Ravenna by force or rest them from the obedience of the Church to bring them under our Dominion Is it not well known that being sought unto for help by the Governour of Ravenna and knowing what danger that City was in of falling into the Imperialists hands
at last obtained a subsidie of one hundred thousand Duckets to be raised from the Clergie a thing not of so much esteem in it self as that divers difficulties being thereby overcome it was thought the like might be come by the more easily afterwards as also that it argued the Popes good opinion of the Common-wealth Monies being raised by this means and by many other wayes the Senate minded the increase of their Galleys which were still commanded by General Capello and the sending of Foot into their Islands and Maritime Towns that their affairs might be safe and that they might expect what the Issue of so many Fleets would be The Turks ceased not whilest their Fleet was preparing to attempt the regaining of Corone by land Forces wherewith they did besiege it so closely as the Spanish Souldiers growing impatient and being almost desperate by reason of their so great sufferings in almost all things sallyed out to assault the Turkish Camp but succeeding ill therein for they were worsted by the enemy lost many of their men and were forc'd to retreat back into the Fort They found themselves by these losses and by the pestilence reduced to so small a number as when the ships arrived which brought relief from Cicily the Spanish Commanders despairing to be able to maintain the Fort any longer got into the same ships and left the Town in the power of the Turks Yet it was a common opinion and not unlikely that this was done by express order from the Emperour who knowing that he could not maintain that place which was environed by the enemies forces but by continuall great expence and with small hopes of further progress resolved to keep it no longer to but little purpose The loss of Corone proved grievous to the Venetians in one respect since they saw the little hopes which they and the other Christian Princes had of keeping the Turks under seeing they were not able to keep what they had got But on the other side finding that Corone though possess'd by the Christians not to be a situation sufficient to overcome so many difficulties nor to attempt any thing against the Turks with any hope of considerable profit and that on the contrary this place afforded occasion of many scandals and was apparently dangerous to draw them into another war the Imperiall Fleets being upon this occasion to frequent their seas which would cause great jealousies in the Turks this did a little allay their sorrow for the loss of that City Cariadino being this mean while put to Sea with an hundred sail and come very near the mouth of our Gulf the Venetian Generall who watched his wayes prepared according to the Senates former orders to draw more inward that he might not abandon the custody and safety of the Gulf But the Turkish Fleet steering its course towards the Tirrhen Sea made for the shore of Calavria and landing suddenly did not onely plunder the Country but took two Towns on the Sea side though of no great value great was the fear which possess'd the mindes of all that were in Naples and in Rome by the Fleets coming into these parts For had Cariadino pleased to bend his course towards these Cities the inhabitants wanting souldiers and being in great confusion had neither power nor will to withstand so unexpected an assault But the Turks taking many prizes went to the Iland of Ponts where taking in water for their occasions they went from thence to the Affrican rivers to effect their chief design which was to assault Amuleasses King of Tunis Cariadino was very well inform'd of all the affairs of that Countrey of the situations places the Prince his forces and how the people stood affected towards him Wherefore using both force and fraud he hoped to compass his end easily as he did He gave out that he brought along with him Rosette the Kings brother whose name he knew those people would be very well pleased with and falling upon the Enemy and upon the City where he knew they were weakest after some variety of fortune at last he took Tunis At this time the other Fleets did not any great matters but it hapned that it behoved the Venetians Commissary to proceed with violence against some Multa Vessels and to rebuke their Captains who was Phillippo Mazza Knight of Ierusalem who having rashly not only passed through the Eastern Seas with armed Vessels but even entred into the Gulf pillaging not only the Turkish Bottomes but those of the Christians also was taken by the Captain of the Gulf and sent to Venice where his cause being to be heard before the Consiglio di quaranta criminale to whom the business was by the Senate referr'd he who had his liberty upon Bail not waiting for his sentence fled away with three Pinnaces and with much arrogancy and neglect of the Commonwealth continued doing mischief Wherefore the Commissary who watch'd his ways narrowly lighting upon him at unawares caused his head to be cut off The Turkish staves were set at liberty and sent to Constantinople the Pinnace wherein Mazza was burnt the other two were soon after senâ— to the Emperour who desired them who seeming at first to be somewhat troubled at this accident because the Malteses had put themselves under his protection being better inform'd of the action and of the occasion thereof was pacified and the great Master of Malta blamed Mazza's action as done not only without his leave but contrary to his orders Whilst these things went thus the Pope had been troubled with long sickness whereof he dyed in the height of all his prosperity He was a Prince of high but unsettled thoughts addicted beyond measure to his own affections so as saffering himself to be master'd sometimes by fear sometimes by covetousness he appeared various and inconstant in his actions chiefly in his friendship with Princes and with the Common-wealth he preserved peace and union a long time more for his own interest then out of any good will and because the Senate according at the present condition of times required would not give him any the least cause of breaking with them by their being obedient to him in all things Alexander Fernese a Roman and an ancient Cardinal and one much esteemed in the Court succeeded him in the Popedome who took to him the name of Paul the Third Divers were the conceptions which were had of the new Pope but most were of opinion that continuing to keep neutral amongst Princes as he had done for fifty years together whilst he was Cardinal and which was no small cause of bringing him to this supream dignity he would only mind the common good without siding with my Prince that he might the better intend the peace and quiet of Italy Which the Venetians did not dislike who desired to see a fair settlement made of all things and perswaded themselves by reason of the good affection which he seemed always to bear to the Commonwealth before his
because they saw themselves backt by the Venetians who making good the Rear secured them from being prest upon by the Imperialists Oâ— the French Army there perished in this assault more then 20â—0 men all of them Switzers but the loss was peradventure greater in the Imperial Camp they having lost many men of good condition Though this action had no very good success yet as being full of confidence and courage it was likely rather to have added unto then to have lessened the reputation of the French Army and to have invited them to other undertakings had not the same impatiency of the Switzers which formerly perswaded them against reason to attempt the Battle disturb'd all their designs and frustrated other hopes by their returning to their former tumults Lautrech loaded the Captains of the Switzers with gifts and promises and pray'd them that by their entreaties reasons and authority they would endeavour to keep their Foot in due obedience which they all did But amongst the rest Alberto Pietra a man in much favour and authority with his Nation calling them all together spoke thus unto them You gave yesterday My valiant Fellow Souldiers so noble a proof of your daring and military experience as that action is not to be numbred amongst the least of praises which by common consent are given to our Nation in all that appertains to the Militia But to arise to the height of glory it is requisite that we persevere in the same purpose of beating and quite conquering the Enemies Army And that we return to try the fortune of War lest it be thought that by yielding to the first no very fortunate encounter it was fickleness not true valour which made us expose our selves to the dangers of Battle Or else that we confess we are overcome though in truth we be rather Conquerours having assaulted the Enemy even within their works done them much harm and retreated safe and in good order not any one of the Enemy having dared to come out of their Camp and pursue us No not so much as to shew any resentment or that they do equal us in Force and Valour But if we do first quit our Quarters which we now are in it will assuredly be said that the Imperialists got the Victory and that we are gone not of our own wills but driven away by the Enemy Whereas on the contrary if we tarry here we may get many notable advantages we shall confirm all men in the opinion that the Victory was really ours we shall not a little encourage those that adhere to the French party we shall infuse such terrour into the Enemy as to avoid the danger of more assaults and of more certain ruine now that they are aware we are better acquainted with the situation of their Quarters and with our advantage and disadvantage they will retreat to within the Walls of Milan and will leave us Masters of the Field and free to fall upon whatsoever Designe we shall please We have understood by express Messengers that it is the will nay the express command of our Masters and Governors that we continue during this Militia in the service of the King of France How can we disobey what they command Or wherefore ought we to do it in a business which for our own glory and profit we ought to seek and pursue yea though we were forbidden We must not then certainly refuse to do it when it is enjoyned us under pain of disobedience We are assured that the King will very shortly come into Italy with a great warlike preparation nor can I see what forces the Enemy have to withstand so great a Force or how they can oppose our Designs The whole State of Milan will assuredly fall suddenly into the King's hands who to revenge himself of the City for her rebellion and of those his Subjects for their many injuries and to reward the valour of his Army will give the prey and plunder of them and it unto his Souldiers and you who have hitherto shared in such labours and in so many dangers will you lose the advantage thereof and not be at the sacking of so many and so rich Cities for the very hopes whereof though you were in Countries far off you ought endeavour by all means possible to be present at this Militia that you might receive fitting rewards for your military actions What consideration can there be of so great moment I beseech you which can counterpoise so great glory so great advantage What else is it that can make you forego such hopes You complain for want of pay and in resentment thereof will revenge your selves upon your selves Consider better what the injury is that is done you what it is you can with reason complain of The King hath not provided monies time enough for your occasions his Ministers may peradventure have been negligent therein Can you doubt that your Pays are stopp'd or that there is any doubt to be made of your receiving them We know for certain that the monies are already in your masters hands and that the delay of payment is only because the passages are so shut up and guarded by the Enemy as the monies cannot without manifest danger be brought unto the Camp If you will resent this revenge your selves upon those that are the true cause why they are detained Think of beating the Enemy and so all the ways will be open the Country will be ours all things will depend upon us and not upon the will of others These are more useful more generous thoughts and more answerable to your former actions then to think of returning home as chased by your enemies to whom you have been a terror and will be so still if you be not wanting unto your selves Tâ—ese words unwillingly lisâ—ned unto made no impression in the Souldiers as being contrary to their already resolved will who persevering obstinately in their former refractoriness required that the Camp might be removed from thence and that they might be dismist the Miâ—itia wherefore Lautrech to shun further danger was forced to rise and went with his whole Army towards Trecco where finding the Bridge already made he lodged upon the Banks of Ada â—is men being quartered some on the one side some on the other side of the River the Venetian Commanders desiring it should be so for the better security of their affairs Where having stayed a â—ew days the Switzers disbanded and went several ways to their own homes but most of them took their way towards Lecco where they undeâ—stood the monies for their pay was come The Grand Maâ—stre Monsieur de Mommorancie Monsieur de Palissa and other Frenchmen following them with their companies since neither words nor actâ—ons were able to prevail with the Switzers to make them tarry any longer for it was so provided by the Venetians that they should be defrayed by them without monies till their pay was come from France For the Venetians were very much troubled
by the Duke nor had in such consideration as he thought was due to his reputation and degree but were rather despised as comming from one of another profession and who as the Duke had wont to say ought not to meddle in matters which belonged to military men So as to give the Pope satisfaction the Senate ordered the Duke that for the future he should acquaint Guicchiardini with all businesses of importance which were treated of in the Camp All things appertaining to the Fleet were this mean while prepared for that some attempt might be thereby made upon Cesar's Territories The Venetians to this purpose chose Luigi Armero for their Commissary and sent him to Corfu where the other Commissary Iovan Moro was with the Fleet from which Armero was to take 12 Gallies and come along with them with all speed to the Sea Coasts near Rome to joyn with those of the Pope and of the King of France and then joyntly fall uppon such Enterprises as might be for the service of the League Divers things were propounded touching whether the Maritime Forces were to go The Pope desired that they might go into the rivers of Pugliae to break the designes of the Collonesi and to divert their Forces in those parts who having raised 7000 foot and a good number of horse in Naples began to be very formidable unto the Pope But the King of France and the Venetians thought it would be more advantagious for the League to have them go against Genua as well for the fitness of that city for other actions as for that if they should succeed well therein it would add much to the reputation of the League Pietro Navarro was declared Captain General of the Confederates Fleet a man of long experience in war who though he were propounded by the King of France yet he received stipend from the other Confederates but the Gallies belonging to the Church and those of the Commonwealth being already in a readiness those of France were slow in comming with the Captain General which gave them just occasion of dislâ—ke and of no slight suspicion that the King of France his ends aimed onely at his own advantage dispising the interests of the League of which his mind there appeared other signes for but little of 40000 Duckets which he was bound to send into Switzerland for the levying of 10000 Switzers was as yet sent thether whereby the League lost no little reputation And though the Venetians had sent Secretary Sabbadino thether to solicite the raising of those Foot yet could he not much encourage them nor hasten their departure nor was there any news heard of any preparation made by the King to make war upon Cesar on the other side of the Mountains as by his Articles he was bound to do But the King besides some excuses which he made finding how ill the Colleagues were satisfied by their pressing sollicitations or else being conscious of his own faultiness and fearing that therefore the Pope and the Venetians laying aside his interests as he seemed to have little valued theirs might treat of peace with the Emperour apart by themselves sent Monsieur di Sange into Italy to excuse his tardiness with directions that he should first pass thorough Switzerland to sollicite the departure of those of that Nation or at least to make it be beliâ—ved that he had done what he could therein He therefore coming first to Venice and then to Rome used the same endeavours in both places laying the fault of the slowness of the French mens passage into Italy upon the Commanders and other officers and affirming the Kings very great desire to prosecute the war and that he would not onely make good his Articles but exceed them by increasing his Forces for besides the forenamed Fleet he was rigging up many tall Ships in Britannie that he might come forth the stronger and suppress all the Forces that the enemy could make by Sea and that he was no less carefull of levying the Switzers and that by his procurement the general Dyets were summoned wherein all things should be resolved in favour to the League But he chiefly assured them that the King would not treat of any agreement save such as should tend to a generall peace and so as the other Colleagues should be content with The King did likewise attest this his resolution to Iovan Battista Sanga who being sent as aforesaid by the Pope to the King of England stayed some dayes in the Court of France for same business The Venetian Senate taking these assurances very thankfully and seeming fully to believe them answered That they never doubted the King's good intentions towards the Leâ—gue and particularly towards their Commonwealth as knowing both his wisdom and his ancient affection to the Venetians they therefore promised That not only in thâ—â— cause wherein their common interests were concerned but in all other things and at all other times their Will and Forces should be inseparably joyn'd to his And as for any Treaty of Peace they never were averse from it nor had they taken up Arms to any other end but that they might come to a safe peace Therefore as far as it might stand with the Dignity of the League and the Confederates safety they should be very glad of it Yet knowing that such a peace was rather to be desired then hoped for at this time the Pope and the Venetians endeavouring to incite the King's mind the more to War resolved to let him know that if they should get the Kingdom of Naples his Son should be King thereof the Commonwealth retaining such a part thereof as should be answerable to their deserts labour and expence To correspond whereunto the King made a new offer of other three hundred Lanciers and twenty thousand Ducats more monethly for the service of the League if the enterprize of Naples should be undertaken The Commissary Armero was come from Corfu to Terracina with thirteen Galâ—es where meeting with Andrea Doria who was come thither with eight Gallies for the Pope's service they went in company together to Cevita Vecchia and from thence to Ligorn where they met with Pietro Navarro with sixteen of the King of France his Gallies and being resolved to reduce Genua to the King of France his devotion to the great advantage of the Colleagues they made Frederick Fregose who was Archbishop of Salerno head of that Government and came with their Fleet first to Porto Venera which Town together with that of Spetia and with all that part of the River till you come to Monaco yeilded soon to the Colleagues Then dividing the Fleet Dâ—ria and the Veneâ—ian Commissary went to Porto Fino twenty miles from Genua and Navarro with the French Gallies to Savona which City willingly yeilded unto him The first and chief designe of the Leagues Commanders was to keep Genua from being victualled by Sea and the City being but badly provided of victuals and not knâ—wing well how to come by
consumed with certain losse But they were hereunto chiefly incited by their hopes of being assisted by the forces of other Christian Princes in whatsoever enterprise they should undertake against the Turks according to the so many offers made by the Pope and Emperour which if they should not accept of they might seem not without some infamy and apparent prejudice to the Common-wealth to have abandoned both themselves and the cause of Christendom There were then about 50 nimble Gallies and as many great Vessells of the Emperours upon the sea the Pope had armed four and the Knights of Ierusalem some which forces being all united they hoped to be not onely able to beat the Turkish Fleet and to free Corfu from siege but to do some egregious act by way of noble conquest Newes being therefore brought of the Armies being gone to the Island of Corfu and war being openly made Mark Antonio Contarini Embassadour at Rome was ordered to acquaint the Pope therewith and with the Senates resolution to let him see in how great danger the common cause of Christendom was and how ready they were to employ all their forces to defend it and themselves against the potent common enemy They thought it fittest to do this first with the Pope not onely because this care did chiefly belong unto him as to the head of Christianity but for that he having been very desirous that the Christian Princes should joyne against the Infidells had often offered the Churches Treasury and all his forces and authority towards so pious and necessary a work It was also very fit in respect of the present businesse to treat thereof at Rome rather then in Spain it being then thought by what themselves had given out that the Emperour's Ministers in Italy had commission given them to joyne his Fleet with the Venetians if occasion should so require As soon as the Pope heard this the Senates resolution he seemed to be very much joyed thereat saying That he had never desired any thing more fervently since he was Pope then this that God could not be more gracious unto him then to suffer him to see the mindes and forces of Christian Princes joyned together against those enemies who through the so much encreased discords of Christendom did now threaten them ruine He did not therefore onely confirm but encrease his promises made to the Venetians when he perswaded them to make this union And truly the Pope's exhortations were of no small moment to excite in them these thoughts and hopes of a League he being esteemed a wise man very zealous of the common good and very well affected towards the Common-wealth A beginning being thus given to a treaty of League it was concluded by all that mighty forces at sea were to be put together since they had to do with an enemy whose power nay whose very name was become so formidable to all men They discoursed therefore of arming 200 Gallies and as many Ships and other great Vessells as they could wherein 50000 Foot were to be embarcked and 4000 Horse But because there arose some difficulty about the distribution of this expence and the time and necessity pressing very much to go with that Fleet which was already ready to the reliefe of Corfu The Pope confirming the preparation and union of these forces as a thing already certainly agreed upon would have the League to be presently published for the greater reputation thereof and to invite the Christian Princes to embrace it reserving the conclusion of the particular Articles to a better conveniency and till some orders were come from Spain This publication was made with great solemnity in Peter's Church Gaspero Contarini a Venetian Cardinall singing the Masse wherein he was assisted by the Pope and by the whole Colledge of Cardinalls which being done the Pope entertained the Emperour's Embassadour the Embassadour of Venice and the Venetian Cardinalls and Cardinall Santa Croce a Spaniard at dinner with him in his Palace The like publication was also solemnly made in Venice thanks being given to God by Orisons and Processions in all the Churches for this union of the Christian Princes against the Infidells To do somewhat in relation to this the Senate writ to their Generalls that they should leave the Captain of the Gulph to guard the places of Dalmatia with four Gallies and that they should go with the whole Fleet to Brandizzi They afterwards took many souldiers into pay to make good the promised number they created the Governours of the greater and of the bastard Gallies which were with all diligence put in order and it was resolved that when these should be out at sea they and all the other armed ships should be under the command of Bondumiero Captain of the Gallioune So in a short time all things were disposed of on the Venetians side so as the Fleet might go finde out the enemy But Andrea Doria having received orders and being desired both from Rome and Venice whilst he was yet at Naples to go to Brandizzo and joyne with the Venetian Fleet finding out many excuses sometimes that he must go to Marcelles against the French Fleet sometimes to Genua to recruit his Gallies with men and to provide for many things which he wanted would not tarry no not the least while there though Gasparo Basalu Consul for the Venetians at Naples did all he could to perswade him He oft-times told Doria of the importancy of the Island of Corfu which was now to be freed from danger and would make for the Emperour's service how great the glory and reputation was which he might hereby purchase He moreover minded him of his own particular obligation by his word so often given and promise made so oft to the Venetians which had made the Senate put such confidence in him as much to his honour they had consented that the Common-wealth's Fleet which was so potent and whereon the safety of her Dominions by sea did depend should be guided and commanded by him as supream Captain But Doria being nothing at all moved herewith said They should have accepted of his offer whilst there was an opportunity of suppressing Barbarossa when he passed with but part of his Fleet through the Channell of Corfu And presently after going with all his Gallies from Naples he steered his course towards Genua where when he should have given an account of all that had past to the Emperour he said He would expect new orders from Spain So as neither Letters from the Pope written by his own hand wherein he prest the same desires more fervently then before nor the Emperour's Embassadour who went in person to this purpose to Naples from Rome came time enough to do any good for he hoisted sail with such speed and resolution as if it had been to have escaped some great danger The Venetians were hereat very much troubled not onely for that they saw they had lost their hopes of beating the Turkish Fleet but because
come unto your ear which is That the assignment of this City and of the neighbour City Malvesia over to Soliman by the agreement made at Constantinople was a resolution put on by necessity not by choice You may have known upon many occasions but chiefly in these your last troubles wherein to assist you the Common-wealth readily exposed a great part of her Forces to great dangers what love she hath alwaies born unto you She hath furnisht you with Monies Souldiers and Victuals to keep you from falling into the hands of the Enemy who threatned to put you all unto the sword and to lay your City desolate Nothing hath been left undone to keep you her dear and well beloved subjects from falling into the power of others very great Fleets have been prepared immeasurable expences In fine for this cause the weight of an insupportable War hath been the longer sustain'd And what greater sign can the Common-wealth shew of the affection she bears you in the present condition of affairs and in this your afflicted Fortune then that which she now does by promising to give other convenient habitations where she might best to those who shall desire to go from hence to keep them in her protection to assist savour and nourish them It hath been said by wise men that that place ought to be truly thought a mans owns Country where a man can injoy any good And what is better and more to be desired than to live under the Goâ—vernment of a moderte and just Prince Fortune though never so averse hath not been able to bereave you of this You shall continue under the Dominion of the Common-wealth you shall have abodes allotted you in another Country where you may live though not so commodiously as here yet freer from the perpetuall fear and danger of the Turks to which it may be said you were continually exposed Many men being too numerous at home have of their own choice parted from thence and committing themselves to fortune have quitted their native Country to get new and uncertain habitations by force of Arms To have a safe and certain place of refuge in times of misery hath wont to be so great a consolation as greater prosperity hath often made men forget what was past 'T is true it had been more to be desired to have still lived in peace that the Enemy had never besieged this City that they had not set their minds upon subduing it or in such a case to have had Forces sufficient to repulse them and to revenge injuries But since neither of these hath been either in our power or in yours in the condition wherein we are what is there more to be done than for us to play the part of a good Prince and Pastor by keeping your persons in our protection since we are not able to carry away the walls and houses of this City and for you to rejoyce at this your Prince his affection and to accommodate your selves to Time and Necessity your persons shall be preserved your posterity educated and you valiant Fathers shall be get generous Children Who knows but that they may work your revenge Great is the vicissitude of worldly affairs and the greatest Empires are as well subject thereunto as other things Our Common-wealth will assuredly be alwaies ready to take up Arms against these Enemies when there shall be such an union amongst Christian Princes as it may behoped Christendom may reap good thereby Therefore as it is necessary so is it wisely and safely donne to seek to live and to hope for better things Whilst the General spoke tears fell from all the Auditors eyes occasioned no lesse through tendernesse of affection then through griefe The Generall used afterwards the like words with those of Malvesia whereupon the Inhabitants being a little comforted after the sorrow they suffered for so sad newes most of them prepared to be gone taking what they had of best along with them and soon after in November the Articles of Peace being confirm'd Commissary Contarini went to those shores with 20 Gallies and many other ships of severall sorts whereinto having taken all the Artillery Ammunition Goods Souldiers and persons of those Inhabitants who would depart He by Orders from Constantinople delivered up the keys of those two Cities to Cassin Basshaw of Morea who with some few entred the Towns and after our men were gone the Gates were opened and free entrance was given to the Soudliers who were there abouts Things being thus brought to a peacefull condition the Generall and the Commissary disarmed leaving out only the usuall number of Gallies to guard the Gulph and for the safety of Navigation But when Commissary Contarini came to Venice he was commanded by Pietro Mocenico Advocate for the Commons to come into the Advocate 's Court and give an account according to the Senate's Order three years before of what â—ad hapned at Puglia when he sunk the Turkish Galley but the businesse being argued in the Senate and Contarini's cause defended by many of the Senators the Advocates command was taken off and he freed of all fault the occasions being ceased which had made his fault appear the greater his worth remaining in him which had alwaies been commended by all men and his deserts increased by the service he had done during all this Warre Nicolo da Ponte pleaded amongst others in his defence who speaking often in the Senate began to be highly esteemed for his Eloquence and growing to greater dignity after many years imployment in the highest concerns of the Common-wealth is arrived at the Principalitie which he now worthily possesseth The year 1540. brought forth no other more noble accidents being memorable enough for the Peace made with the Turks wherein the Common-wealth prosperously continued for the space of thirty years her affairs in Terra forma being likewise quiet at the same time by her friendship with the Christian Princes so as I shall have but little to write of these times yet because the Senate being made acquainted with the chief businesses which past between the Christian Princes interposed her Counsel and Authority either in respect of her selfe or others I will relate in this my History such passages of these Times as do appear to me most memorable and for some concernments of the Common-wealth which I have undertook to write of The End of the Tenth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK XI THE CONTENTS THe hopes of peace and quietnesse soon vanisheth upon new accidents The death of the King of Hungary and Ferdinando's pretentions to the Kingdome Soliman distasted and War made by him upon the House of Austria New distastes between Caesar and the King of France The King of France is much troubled at the death of his Ambassadour Rincone What Caesar's designes appeared to be The Venetians resolve to be Newters They excuse themselves to the Pope for not granting him Vicenza for the Councill to be held in An
towards the common good and particularly towards your prosperity to know your own greatnesse and forces and withall to know the opportunity nay the necessity which the condition of the Times and the designs of other Princes doe put upon you to imbrace these great offers which are made you the which I knowing them to be effectually such hath made me to undertake this imployment the more willingly as thinking I shall not do service onely to the King therein to whom I stand so much indebted but that I shall also procure the liberty and greatness of Italy Your not having formerly agreed with our King and accepted his offers hath not been esteemed a coolnesse in your affection towards the Crown of France since there have been sufficient both modern and ancient Testimonies thereof nor to any little credit you give to the Kings promises since this Common-wealth hath to her great advantage joyn'd in league so often with his predecessors and with himselfe nor yet to want of Counsell or care in Government your Senate having alwaies been a more vigilant Guardian then any other Potentate not onely of your own Country but also of the liberty of others and for a long time a true defender and Arbitrator of the affairs of Italy but for that in a businesse of so great moment as this you have been pleased to proceed with all maturity lest you might repent too late the having quitted your Neutrality and have entred into the charge and trouble of War so as there is none who can as yet blame this your resolution but all things which might have caused any doubt are now so ripened that there is no time left for longer delay Caesars ends and intentions are now too well known to be wholly bent upon making himselfe supream Monarch and in particular Lord of Italy Him hath the King opposed in these things with all his might and for this is he the more hated by Caesar because he sees he withstands these his machinations and that he is ready not onely to defend his own affairs but to become a refuge to others who have need of assistance against this powerfull Enemy and hath been able hitherto by the Forces of his own Kingdom to oppose the violence of the Dutch and Spanish Forces able to frustrate Caesars hopes to maintain his own Dominions and to repair the eminent dangers of other men But now that Caesars power is so increased by having the Forces of Germany of the Swissers and of the King of England joyn'd with him as that every other Prince ought to be jealous of him and to be awakned at the aspect of such greatnesse which is in an instant both born and sprung up and to provide against it before the mischiefe be grown greater which threatens all men The King of France his Forces are certainly very great his mind very ready to imploy them all against Caesars immoderate greatnesse wherein he will value nor labour nor expence nor danger being resolved to run all fortunes and never to lay down Arms unlesse overcome by utmost necessity or that there be no occasion to make use of them but that he may secure these his intentions the most he may to shew that he doth not undervalue the forces and assistants of others when the common cause is in question it is therefore that he hath made known these his most important respects to you Gentlemen 't is therefore that he hath opened his most inward thoughts unto you and hath indeavour'd a new conjunction between this Common-wealth and his Kingdom because when the wills and forces of these two Potentates shall be joyn'd and that it may in reason be thought that the safety of their states is in a good part provided for Caesar may be made to divide his Armies and no longer think upon usurping other mens Estates but upon defending his own The King doth therefore desire and this it is that he wills me particularly to propose unto you that your Fleet may be brought to the Rivers of Puglia where the Towns being unprovided of Garrisons the people well affected towards the Common-wealth and declared enemies to the Spaniards there may be hopes of doing much good speedily And on his part he offers to maintain alwaies 15000 choice Foot in Piemont or where else you shall please whereby the Imperialists being curb'd your State by Land may be safe from all danger nay the Dukedom of Millan and the Duke of Savoy's whole State whose interest is the same with Caesars will be sorely indangered In this Proposition all things will be maturely considered it will be sufficiently known that all things do therein concur which may make a Prince take up Arms the necessary defence and safety of his own affairs hopes grounded upon good foundations to increase Dominion the assured purchasing of a powerfull and faithfull friend in all Fortunes The very resolutions of your Senate shew that Caesars greatnesse ought to be esteemed a sufficient cause to make your Common-wealth take up Arms to keep off further dangers which much to your praise have constantly for so long a time maintained Wars not being frightned by any danger nor changed for any expence or trouble onely to keep the State of Millan from falling into Caesars hands For you know it was too great a danger to have so powerfull a Neighbour But if these things were apprehended when they were farther off and the suspitions therof indeavour'd to be secured how ought they to be suffered now that they are at hand when Caesars counsells are sufficiently known when his cunning is discovered and when there is no more hope left that he will quit the State of Millan Can it be thought a good and wholesome counsell to neglect the occasion now which was more desired by you then than any thing else to oppose Caesars vast designs and not to suffer the Malady to grow to such a height as that no remedy will be found for it Consider I beseech you if it should so fall out as all human things are subject to various changes That the Kingdome of France assaulted by such powerfull forces I will not say should be lost but should be so weakened as that not any Prince should for many years be able to counterpoise Cesar 's power Who sees not to what condition the liberty of Italy would be reduced Who can think himself free from his injuries for not having offended him Who can hope to work upon his haughtinesse by submission Who can think that his insatiable thirst after Government can ever be satisfied by any acquisition Cesar will say that you have opposed his greatnesse because you have not favoured him that you have not valued his friendship because you would not make a straiter conjunction with him though it be known he sought thereby to put greater ties upon you for his own advantage So as it cannot be thought safe for you to keep at this time in your Neutrality for it doth neither
Pope or at least to alienate him from Cesar since he undertook to defend a vassall of the Church whom Cesar sought to oppresse and would not for any thing the Pope could do desist from molesting him in the businesse of Parma but required that Piacenza might likewise be delivered up unto him so as a great fire was already kindled in the midst of Italy No lesse dangers were likewise threatned in other parts for Ferdinando King of the Romans taking occasion from the discords which arose amongst the Barons of Hungary and particularly from the commotions raised in Transilvania by George Bishop of â—aradino a man of great Authority and who hoped to be able to possess himselfe of that Province parted from Auspurg loaden with promises of assistance from the Emperour which tended to the inducing him to yeeld up his pretences to the succession of the Empire to his Son Philip he was gone into Austria where he had already commenced Dyets that he might raise as many men and monies as he could for such an enterprise And on the other side it was known that Soliman who was already returned from Persia to Constantinople would not indure that that infant-King recommended to his protection should be bereft of any part of his Dominions and he had the better occasion to take up Arms against the House of Austria and to think the Truce for five years broken for that the Imperiall Army had taken two Towns in the Rivers of Africa to wit A City called by the same name of the Province Africa and Monestero These Towns being formerly possest by the Moores were the year before taken by Dragute who being afterwards made a Sangiaccho had received them into Solimans custody and were since taken by Prince Doria who put thereinto a Spanish Foot-Company The Venetians were the more displeased at these accidents because they thereby lost their hopes of renewing the Truce for a longer time a thing which was yet in Treaty at Constantinople promises being past therein on all sides and if it had succeeded the Common-wealth would have been therein named and comprehended with much honour But Soliman continuing his desire of friendship and peace with her when he came to Constantinople sent a Chians to Venice to acquaint the Senate with his return from Persia and of his prosperous success boasting them sufficiently according to the custome of that Country though in effect the attempts made in Persia meeting with greater resistance by the Persian Forces than was expected proved to no purpose so as he was reeturn'd to Constantinople with his Army very much harrassed But the Senate being desirous to preserve Solimans favour corresponded with this his demonstration of friendship and sent Caterino Zeno Embassador to him who though he were very aged being 84 years old refused not to serve his Country though it were to take so long and difficult a journey And his Embassy proved very prosperous for by his wisdome he quieted the complaints which were often renewed by the Turks touching the death of Sabba Rays whereof Soliman promised there should be no more speech had The year 1550. past over with these petty proceedings which was the more celebrated notwithstanding throughout Christendom for that the year of Jubilee fell that year wherein the treasury of Indulgencies according to the ancient Rites of every five and twenty years is largely opened in Rome to devout people whereof there was a greater concourse then in that City upon occasion of the new Pope This year was likewise more remarkable for other reasons for the new intimation of the Councill to be held at Trent whither many Prelates flockt apace from all parts and then by reason of a great scarcity of Corn which was almost generall but chiefly in Italy which made Princes make bold with the publick Monies to furnish their people particularly the Signory of Venice which with singular Piety and Liberality provided for the people of that City and of her other subjects and inviting others to bring Corn from Countries far off they gave great sums of Moneys to such as brought Grain into Venice from whence it was distributed into other Towns belonging to the State according to their need But the year 1551 which insued the fire of War began to flame higher in Italy than before to the danger of all Italy whereat the Venetians were the more troubled because they had alwaies taken the greatest care and pains to preserve peace The Pope was a great cause hereof but more out of the uncertainty of his resolves than ouâ— of any ill-ill-will For he suffered himselfe by little and little to be drawn from his first intentions giving ouâ— Writs of summons against Octavio Fernese whose defence he himselfe had undertaken but a little before accusing and protesting against the King of France his having taken the City of Parma into his protection though as it was said he seemed at first to assent thereunto at least not to dissent He was not aware that the bitter words which he continually used against the French and the Ferneses made them joyn the closer together and to increase their Forces and provisions for War against which not providing any sufficient defence he was brought into a necessity of throwing himself into Cesars power with whom he was notwithstanding ill satisfied for the very selfe same businesse of Parma The Pope was by degrees drawn into these Inconveniencies by tricks used by the Imperialists which he was not aware of those who were nearest him seeking for their particular ends to conceal the truth to make other mens dissemblings be believed and to nourish vain suspitions in him so as without being aware thereof he was drawn from his neutrality and occasioned the interruption of that quiet by which he at first indeavoured to win praise and Glory It becomes Princes to bethink themselves well before they undertake any businesse for they cannot without losse of honour easily withdraw themselves from their resolutions when they are once made known nor can they often prosecute them to any purpose without great prejudice to themselves and subjects The Venetians did oftentimes intercede with the Pope to appease these most troublesome commotions considering how long and grievous the War was like to prove which was now about to begin upon so slight an occasion in Italy That it was a very unfitting time for it now by reason of the news which was every where â—â—ard of Solimans intentions nay of the preparations which he was making to assault the Christian Countries both by Sea and Land And these Discords between Christian Princes what were they else but inducements to make the Turks sooner put on such resolutions nay assured hopes of giving them the Victory in their hands Peace and Quiet was to be desired by all men but particularly by him to whom it was recommended as to the common Father and expected from his wisdome and from that holy resolution which he had shewn of being Neutrall
Vicenzo Tuttavilla having the command of the souldiers With these and with the gallies of the Church which were 13 in number 11 of them belonging to the Duke of Florence and 2 to Michale Bonello brother to Cardinal Alessandrino did Commissary Soranzâ— return to Corfu the whole Fleet comming along in company to the Straits of Messina from whence Don Iohn past to Paâ—ermo and when they were parted Mark Antonio Colonna set up the Standard of the League supplying the place of Generall thereof â—â—is the Spaniards resolution being published every one firmly believed that the enterprise of the Levant would be no further proceeded in this year by all the forces of the League And the Spanish Embassadour at Rome did already say that the affairs in Flanders could not be setled time enough for the going of the Fleet into the Levant and that therefore the King would turn his forces into Africa that they might not be altogether idle and to case Cicily of them for a while This opinion was the rather believed by reason of many things that hapned and especially for that much provision was made upon the Spanish coasts for refreshing the Fleet and because it was known for certain that Muley Assam King of Tunis was willingly listned unto who then was with Don Iohn and affirmed that those people were very well disposed towards the Crown of Spain and were ready to rise and put themselves under his subjection if they should finde any forces to back their rebellion This the Fleets suspension afforded subject for severall discourses some said That the King in making this League had respect to his own peculiar interests since otherwise he could not have obtained from the now present Pope the confirmation of what was granted him by Pius Quartus of raising monies from the Ecclesiastick goods for which he was bound to keep 100 gallies to guard those seas and that moreover he was perswaded thereunto out of other weighty considerations For if the Venetians onely were to withstand the Turkish forces and should peradventure make any acquisition they would get so much reputation at sea as they might 〈◊〉 with him for power and on the other side if they should fare ill and should suffer in their Dominions the Turks power would be so much the more encreased and become infinitely formidable And then again if the Venetians should fail in their hopes of such assistance it might be believed they would easily give way to some agreement and so those forces which were prepared against them might be turned Westward upon the Kings Dominions That therefore having taken upon him the common cause upon these reasons and bound himself out of these respects to maintain it he could not with any justice turn those forces to his own private and which were before obliged to the common service of the League That the wâ—â—s of Flanders was not any thing of new whereby the King should put on such a resolution for that war was already begun when the League was stipulated Nor were there even then wanting suspitions of commotions in France for the Agreement being made being made between the King of France and the King of Navar and the Admirall there was reason to believe that the French who are naturally lovers of novelties and who were then long verst in Arms would not keep quiet but would betake themselves thither where they should finde best opportunity to make war Thâ—â— it was very clear that by the conventions of the League each Confederate might of right claim interest in the forces of the rest upon requiring observance of the Articles agreed upon That before the League it was in the Kings power to employ those assistances where and when be pleased but since he had freely of his own will bound himself to limited time and forces he could not regulate them according to his own occasions 〈◊〉 alter them without the Confederates consent Others affirmed the contrary that the Catholick King had abundantly discharged the duty of a Christian Prince and of a friend to the Common-wealth of Venice since unobliged thereunto he had readily assisted the first year of this war with all the sea-forces he was then master of the common service of Christendom to the particular advantage of Venice That it waâ— in his choice whether he would engage himself in this war or no not being thereunto enforc'd by necessity or at least that being unlimited either in point of time or forces he might have governed himself according to his own peculiar interests That notwithstanding he would engage himself with the League to make the Confederates confide the more in him and that they might have the better foundations for designing their enterprises which they were to make against the enemy That this had been the cause of very great good since the Colleagues forces being fastned together by this bond and to the same end had gotten so great and so famous a victory over the Turks That since the Kings interests were not like those of the Venetians it was to be highly valued that he would suffer the Fleet to run the same hasâ—â—ds That iâ— ought not to be wondered at if the King having had so great a shaâ—e in this victory should endeavour to reap some particular advantage thereby by sending his Fleet now that he had bereft the enemy of their power at sea and that he might safely do it to the enterprises of Barbary which were specified in the Articles of the League and which were so much desired by his poeple to bereave the Pirats of their receptacles from which the Spanish Seas could by no other meanes be secured That it was much more lawfull for him to make use of his own Forces for the defence of his peculiar affairs at a time when his Confederates the Venetians were in a great part free from being offended by the enemy What reason what wisdome was there that he should abandon his own Dominions to assault those of other men and to suffer the like or greater dangers increase at home that he might carry them to the Enemies That it was true the Wars of Flanders was no new thing but that the accidents were new which forc'd the King to think upon the preservation of those Countries wherein disorders were multiplyed and the Enemies Forces increased These and such like things were alleadged according to the variety of mens judgements and much more of their affections but to the end that the cause of a businesse of such importancy whereby the hopes of much good to Christendom were interrupted may be made known it will not be far from our purpose that we acquaint you a little more particularly with the present condition of affairs and with the occasions of jealousies which arose between the two most powerfull Kings of France and Spain in a very unseasonable time In the very beginning of this year the Town of Mons in Flanders vvas lost and not long after Count Nassaw