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
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
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
your Princes desires but labour by all possible means to confirm them in this their good intention nay solicite and provoke them indeavouring that as their interests cannot be separated in respect of Religion nor State so neither may their Forces nor minds be divided but united together by the firm bonds of charity and common safety so as they may become a terrour to those enemies whom rather our own discords than any worth in them hath made to undervalue us But let us overcome our selves and our affections and we shall easily overcome others The Forces of these three Potentates being firmly united will be such and so many as we may promise thereby unto our selves noble and assured victories Besides we do not doubt but that our example will invite the Emperour and all other Christian Princes to partake with us not onely in our labours and expence but also in glory We will use our authority with them will pray admonish and solicite them to enter into this holy League and not to be wanting to their common safety honour and duty to the end that howsoever our conscience may tell us we have not failed in any thing in the discharge of that place whereunto God hath called us And if it shall be thought that our presence may further the businesse and that our authority and example may move others the imperfections of old age shall not detain us from willingly exposing our life to all danger and labour to whom nothing can be more welcome then to die for the glory of Christ and for the good of Christendome The Embassadours and the two Cardinalls seeming to be much affected with these words humbly thanked his Holinesse and promised to lend all their assistance with sincerity and diligence in so important and pious a businesse and which was so much desired by their Princes as well for their own particular interests as for the common good of Christendom But all these vvords though much magnified by all parties produced not answerable effects for every one minding their own ends as those differ'd so differ'd they in their opinions and the conclusion of the businesse was spun out to an unseasonable length wherein many months were spent in vain The Pope deputed five of the chiefest Cardinalls of the Court to intervene in the Treaty in the name of the Apostolick See Alexander the Popes nephew Morone Cesis Grassi and Aldobrandino with whom when the two Spanish Cardinalls and the Spanish and Venetian Embassadours begun to treat they presently met with many difficulties The Signory of Venice because all her Territories by Sea are first exposed to the violence of the Turks and because the League lessened not the expence of so many Garrisons in their so many Cities and Maritime places and did not secure their affairs but that they were to be at greater expence and danger being desirous to reap some advantage which might be ansvverable to so many inconveniences propounded things which tended to the abating of the Turkish power and to the destroying of their Fleet and to the bereaving them of some of their Dominions that for the future they might not fear their forces Which things though they might also bring advantage to the King of Spain yet was not the event so certain nor the profit so apparent and at hand Therefore the King's Commissioners thinking that if their King's Dominions were not more safe were yet further from danger proposed temporising and rather to wait for the advantage of time then to expose any thing to fortune They therefore endeavoured the making of a perpetuall League and upon such tearms as tended more to defend themselves then to offend the enemy by which League the Catholick King would have reaped much good for by being as he alwaies was at open wars with the Turks he made use of the credit and forces of his friends without drawing a new enemy upon himself and by encreasing his power much at sea and carrying the war far off he freed his Dominions from the expence of Garrisons and from being molested by the Turkish Fleets which things did not onely not put him to greater expence but which is but seldom seen war brought safety and advantage to him For to boot with the lessening of his ordinary expence in maintaining souldiers in so many maritime parts he reaped so much profit by the immunities granted him by the Pope which were now the greater by the new concession of the Croysado in the Indies as did largely supply the charge he was at in his Fleet for during the League the revenues of the Crown of Spain were encreased to about two thousand millions of gold These were the Kings thoughts which were nourished and fomented by divers of his State-Ministers chiefly by some of those with whom the Treaty of the League at Rome was entrusted for it was generally thought that their opinions corrupted the Kings good intentions and was the occasion of depriving Christendom of the good which men thought might have been expected upon this occasion had it not been for them And yet they themselves that were the raisers of so many difficulties propounded contrarieties And as if they had thought it nothing to abase the Turks power and to save themselves from the present danger began to propound other things whereby utterly to destroy the whole Mahometan Sect and all their Empires constantly affirming that this League was to be declared to be not onely against the Turks but generally against all Infidells intending thereby also to extirpate the Moors and the Ottaman Empire being overcome to proceed on to the King of Persia to the end that Christendom might be for ever secured from these barbarous Infidells The vanity of which proposition appearing too plainly they bounded that Article afterwards within narrower precincts and would have ill Siriffo or King of Barbary and the Moors and others depending upon the Turks to be named as enemies to the League But notwithstanding when any thing of action was propounded they appeared to be very backward they would not consent to what the Venetians desired to wit That the forces of the League should be intended to continue for at least two or three years and that they should be such as might be employed in the greatest enterprises of the Levant for the common advantage of the Colleagues Against which it was objected That Princes could make no certain resolution in things which depended upon the variety of severall accidents that therefore they were to inform themselves of the Turks preparations and designes and resolve accordingly upon the Leagues forces and what they should do every year in Rome Which being but a semblance of satisfaction was thought would really hinder or retard all good successe the chiefest time for action being thereby to be spent in disputes This intention of the King's Agents aiming too much at their own accommodation and at the prejudice of the common cause appeared yet more plainly in other things more
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
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
much incouraged to hold out by the love which those Inhabitants bore to the Common-wealth and by the scituation of the place which is naturally very strong For the Fort had but one front to defend which lay towards the south East which by reason of its hight was safe enough and was surrounded every where else by an unaccessible Rock â—â—ali being gone from Castel Rosso which is seated upon the head of Nigraponte after Sun-set came early the next morning before the Island of Tine where landing about 8000 foot he made them presently march towards the Town which was five miles from the shore hoping to take it by assault But the Governour who was alwaies vigilant discrying the Fleet before it came to the Island and indeavouring at one and the same time the safety of the Islanders and of the Fort gave the Islanders timely notice of the Enemies approach by shooting off of Guns so as they might get time enow to get within the Town and by them he might the better resist the assault which was made that very day and wherein the Enemy were repuls'd and much galled by the Artillery as they retreated in so much as they were forced to keep aloof off and quarter that night in the plain called St. Nicholas The next day landing some great Guns they intended to batter the Fort but finding by the scituation of the Place that that design would prove vain they incampt about it hoping that many men being gotten into the Town they might take it by siege Wherein having spent 12 days and solicited the Governour in vain by Letters containing both threats and great-rewards to surrender the Town and finding him still more resolute to defend himselfe they resolved to be gone having first ransackt the whole Country fired the farm Houses ruin'd the Churches and kild all the cattle This action purchas'd great praise to the Governour who was not at all daunted at the sight of such forces had valiantly sustain'd the assault and in so great commotions of War preserved that Island which lay in the very jaws of the Enemy and rendred this their first design vain The Turks leaving the Island of Tine went to Rhodes where having staid a while and designed what they would do they came to Fenica Hither were all the Souldiers brought which were to come aboord the Fleet which being altogether made above 200 Sayl whereof there was 150 Gallies and of the bigger sort some vessels for burthen one Gallyoune six Ships and a great number of lesser Vessels for carriage called by the Turks Caramusolini and about fifty Palandarie which are made like small Gallies but somewhat larger in the Poope and higher on the sides and much covered containing about a hundred Horse a peece The Turks parted with these forces from Fenica and steered their course towards Cyprus but because the actions of greatest importance in this War hapned in this Island the possession whereof was the cause of the War it will be worth the while to acquaint you with the State and most remarkable proprieties of this Country before we proceed to the Narration of what was there done The Island of Cyprus lies towards the Levant in the furthermost part of the Mediterranean which according to the severall Provinces which lye upon it hath severall names given it The Island looks on the East towards Soria with which if we will credit the testimony of the Ancients she did at first joyn in a Terra Ferma On the West lies Panfilia which is now called Sarmania On the South Aegypt and Caramania on the North which is the ancient Cilicia on which side this Island lies nearest the continent It is seven hundred miles in compasse extending it selfe about 200 miles in length East North-East towards the Levant but in the largest part it is not above seventy miles over It is of a very good Air being placed in the beginning of the fourth Climate under the ninth Parallel so as it produceth almost all things belonging to humane life in great abundance and perfection And though hardly the fifth part thereof he cultivated the half thereof lies every other year follow yet is it so fruitfull as it hath not onely wherewithall to supply the necessity of the Inhabitants but to serve Forrainers Besides Corn it yields much Sugar Cotton Saffron and many other things which are transported into forrain parts It abounds in Salt-pits which though they be now reduced to the third part of their former number yet as much pure white salt may be taken from thence every year as will load one hundred great ships It abounds also in severall sorts of Creatures excellently good nor doth it want Mines of the most pretious Mettalls By reason of this great plenty of all things it was anciently called Macaria as if Blessed which made the Poets fain that the goddesse Venus was born here and did delight to live here as in her proper 〈◊〉 Wherefore the Cyprians erected a famous Temple to her in the City of Paphos It was celebrated by antiquity as the seat of nine Kings having within it thirty Cities which though according to the custom of modern daies they be greater in number then reality yet there remains many worthy memorialls of their pristine grandeâ—sa and prosperity And there are yet seen the ruines of severall Cities as well Maritime as Inland which are wholly destroyed But at this time her chiefest Towns are Nicossia Famagosta Baffo Cerines and Limiso which latter two were onely reduced into any strength there not being any other place in the whole Island able to resist the Turks power though Cerines hath held out long formerly against lesser forces The Inhabitants of this country were so highly esteâ—â—ed for worth in war and for experience at sea as Alexander the great forbore to molest them with his Arms. And we read in modern Histories that they did many memorable acts in the businesse of the Holy Land and in Soria against the Infidells This Island was Tributary to the greatest Empires of the world for following the fortune of other Eastern people it became obedient to the Kings of Aegypt and to those of Persia and lastly to the Romans When the Roman Empire began to decline it was possest by the Sarasins which the Turks make use of at this time to shew they have some just pretence to this Island affirming that they found in their Hâ—stories that their fifth Captain of the Mahometan Religion after Mahomet had acquired and possest it and that there were the Sepulchers of many Musselmans which they could not suffer to remain in the power of those of another Religion But it was recovered from the Sarasins by the Christians in the year 1122. and joyned to the Kingdom of Jerusalem when they went to the taking of the Holy Land And after severall accidents being separated from thence it was governed for many years by Lords of its own under the protection of the Emperours of
Cardinalls imagining that by so doing they might please both the Pope and the Spaniards for which they daily expected thanks and remuneration would aggravate the businesse more then they themselves believed it deserved to be But the Catholick King who was accustomed to govern and knew by experience how very rationall it is in Princes to desire that their Dominions may be preserved by wisdom and moderation not being at all troubled at the newes that peace was concluded seemed not to be displeased with what the Common-wealth had done for her own interests saying That assuredly they must be weighty and important occasions which had moved the Venetians to put on such a resolution And that as he had been ready to lend his forces to the service of Christendome and particularly to the good of the Common-wealth so he did assure himself that they being sensible of his good-will by his actions would do the like to him when occasion should require it And the Spaniards generally both in the Court of Rome and in Spain using much moderation made no outward shew either of dislike nor resentment Some said They were rather sorry for the occasion which had necessitated the making peace then for the peace it self They confest that those respects which had perswaded to this resolution must have been very great but not so well known to them by reason of the distance of their Dominions and of their Kings power And the Spanish Embassadour who was at Rome understanding that the Embassadour who was chosen to go to Constantinople to confirm the Capitulations was not yet gone from Venice propounded new endeavours to enliven the League This way of proceeding regulated by the reason of interest not of affection was much wondered at as a thing but little known or practised by Italians Wherefore some said that the Spaniards were thus moderate lest by blaming the Venetians they might provoke them to justifie themselves by complaining of the actions of the Colleagues the last years past Others said That though they had lost the advantage of the League for that time they would not forego the friendship of the Common-wealth for ever which they might make use of upon other occasions But it may be the truest cause was that following therein their naturall custom of maintaining their dignity it became them not to value much the dissolution of the League as if they were not sufficient of themselves to give a just counterpoise to the Turkish forces But the Pope continued still unsatisfied Wherefore the Venetians not being willing to be held contumacious resolved to send an expresse Embassadour to Rome that the Pope might be the more easily pacified and admit of their true justifications by this signe of their reverence and respect Nicolo da Ponte was chosen for this employment a man of reverend years and of great esteem and authority in the Common-wealth being a Procurator of St. Marks This man going speedily to Rome and having obtained audience of the Pope shewed him that the Common-wealth had just cause to accept of the peace which was offered by the Turks That all their territories by sea were exposed to very great danger by reason of the enemies many preparations made to offend them and through the slow proceedings of their friends and confederates to defend them That the weight of this war was become so grievous by reason of the expences which the Common-wealth had been at for the space of three years and through the many inconveniences whereby her subjects were prejudiced as it became now unsupportable That as long as the hopes of prosperous successe and of future quiet did keep up their hearts in the bitternesse of war and did a little consolate the present evills the Venetians had out-done what they were bound to by their Articles in providing for war â—nd exceeded their abilities But that the best occasions being now unseasonably let slip what reason had they to continue at such expences and dangers since it was now clearly known that the Common-wealth could not preserve her Dominions better then by peace That the Pope should be well pleased it being for the common service of Christendom that accommodating her self to the times she should temporise with so powerfull an enemy that she might employ the remainder of her forces upon some other seasonable occasion for the good of Christendom and of the Church as she had so often formerly done That in this respect Paul the third when he knew that it was in vain to take up arms against Soliman did himself exhort the Venetians to make peace though they had the same obligations of League upon them as they had now That the Senate did not communicate this their resolution to their considerates out of just and sitting respects governing it self by that rule by which all other States govern themselves and by which the Catholick King a powerfull Prince had walked For that he might not break the League unnecessitated if the condition of affairs should alter as they did and not to seem to distrust his forces whereby to encourage his enemies He did not acquaint the Venetians with the reasons which moved him to keep back his Fleet nor did any thing but the effect it self discover his intentions and the jealousies which he had of the French That it became the Venetians to do the like now who at the beginning of the treaty of peace which was as then doubtfull and uncertain basarded the losse of the uncertain advantage of the League and of encountring many inconveniences in following that advice which reason did dictate unto them or rather necessity though it might be more truly said that peace was much nearer being concluded then was imagined it being thought that an Embassadour was to be sent expresly for that end to Constantinople as had been done formerly and that such resolutions might be communicated in fitting time But that that which was much desired and much to be desired being proffer'd it ought not to be refused or deferred for any respect whatsoever the dammage not being to be repaired by any mediation which any delay though never so short might occasion in a businesse of such importance they being to treat with a barbarous Nation insolent and full of jealousies That they had also considered that to advise in a thing which was judged by those that demanded counsell not to be avoided seemed to be unseasonable and to no purpose the rather for that it would not have been lawfull for the Pope though he had known the true reasons which had caused the Venetians to make peace to disswade them from it or to hinder it nor would the place which he held permit him to advise or give way thereunto So as since their occasions forc'd them to act contrary to his declared will and not to be governed by his exhortations their offence would have been made the greater That lesser evill was occasioned hereby since he knew nothing of the treaty of peace before