both reall and personall greater or lesser according to the exigence of times and places which hath bin also practised in other Realmes and Principalities being alwayes exempted as well by Emperours as other Princes from the power of inferiour Magistrates but not from their owne Soueraigne authority That the Exemptions granted by Popes vnto the Order of the Clergie haue not beene admitted in some places and in others admitted only in part and that they haue been valide only so farre as they haue beene receiued that notwithstanding any Exemption the Prince hath still Power ouer their persons and goods whensoeuer necessity constraines him to serue himselfe of them And if at any time they should abuse such Exemption to the perturbation of the publique tranquillitie that the Prince is obliged to prouide a remedy Another point of their Doctrine was that the Pope ought not to thinke himselfe infallible vnlesse where God hath promised him his Diuine assistance which some Moderne Doctors say to bee onely in necessary points of Faith and when hee vses fit meanes to that purpose of diuine Inuocation and of Ecclesiasticall consultations But the authority of Binding and Loosing ought to bee vnderstood with this Caution claue non crrante seeing God hath commanded the Pastor to follow the Merit and Iustice of the Cause and not his owne inclination that when the Pope vpon any difference with Princes passes on to thunder out his Censures it is permitted vnto the Doctors to consider whether he hath proceeded claue errante aut non errante And the Prince when he is assured that the Censures thundred against him his Estates and subiects are inualide may and ought for the conseruation of publique peace hinder the execution thereof preseruing his Religion and the reuerence due to the Church and that according to the doctrine of S. Augustine the Excommunication of a multitude or of Him who commandeth and is followed by a great number of people is pernicious and sacrilegious that the new name of Blinde Obedience inuēted by Ignatius Loiola vnknown to the Anciēt Church and to al good Diuines taketh away the essence of that vertue which ought to work by certain knowledge and election exposeth vs to the dāger of offending God doth not excuse him who is deceiued by the Ghostly Father and may ingender seditions as it hath beene seene within these forty yeares since that abuse hath beene introduced On the contrary the Doctrine of the Romane Writers or Papalins affirmed That the Temporall Power of Princes is subordinate to the Power Ecclesiasticall and subiect to it consequently that the Pope hath authority to depriue Princes of their Estates for their faults and errors which they cōmit in Gouernment yea though they haue not committed any fault when the Pope shall iudge it fit for the good of the Church that the Pope may free Subiects frō their obedience and from their oath of Fidelity which they owe vnto their Princes in which case they are obliged to cast off all subiection and euen to pursue the Prince if the Pope command it And although they all agreed to hold these Maximes yet they were not at accord touching the manner for they that were touched with a little shame said so great an authority did not reside in the Pope because Iesus Christ had giuen him any Temporall authority but because this was necessary for the Spirituall Wherefore Iesus Christ giuing Spirituall authority had giuen also indirectly the Temporall which was a vain shift seeing they made no other difference then of Words But the greater part of these men spake plainly that the Pope hath all Authority in heauen and earth both Spirituall and Temporall ouer all Princes of the World no otherwise then ouer his Subiects and vassals that he might correct them for any fault whatsoeuer that he is a Temporall Monarque ouer all the earth that from any Temporall Soueraigne Prince men might appeale to the Pope that he might giue Lawes to all Princes and annull those which were made by Them For the Exemption of Ecclesiastiques they all with one voyce denied that they held it by the grace and priuiledge of Princes although their Lawes to that purpose Constitutions and Priuiledges be yet extant but they were not agreed how they had receiued it some of them affirming that it was de iure diuino others that it came by Constitutions of Popes and Councels But all consented vpon this that they are not Subiects to the Prince euen in case of treason and that they are not bound to obey the Lawes vnlesse it were vi directiuâ And some passed so farre as to say that the Ecclesiastiques ought to examine whether the Lawes Commands of the Prince beiust and whether the people be obliged to obey them and that they owe not vnto the Prince either contributions or customes or obedience that the Pope cannot erre or faile because he hath the assistance of the Holy Spirit and therefore that it is necessary to obey his Commandements whether they be iust or vniust that to Him appertaines the clearing of all difficulties so as it is not lawfull for any to depart from his resolution nor to make reply though the resolution be vniust that though all the World differ in opinion from the Pope yet it is meet neuerthelesse to yeeld to Him and he is not excused from sinne who followes not his aduice though all the world iudge it to be false Their bookes were also full of such other Maximes that the Pope is a God vpon earth a Sunne of iustice a Light of religion that the iudgement and sentence of God and the Pope is one same thing as also the Tribunall and the Court of the Pope and God that to doubt of the power of the Pope is as much as to doubt of the power of God And it is notable what Card. Bellarmine hath boldly written that to restraine the obedience due vnto the Pope to things concerning the Saluation of the Soule is to bring it to nothing that Saint Paul appealed to Caesar who was not his Iudge and not to S. Peter lest the by-standers should haue laughed at him that the holy Bishops of old shewed themselues subject to Emperors because the times so required Others adioyned further that then it was meet to introduce the Empire of the Pope by little and little it being a thing vnseasonable to despoile Princes newly conuerted of their Estates and also to permit some thing vnto them for to interesse them Other like discourses they made which many godly Persons abhorred to read and reputed them blasphemies Furthermore the manner of treating on the one part and on the other was very different inasmuch as the Writings of the Popes partisans and especially of the Iesuites were full of railings detractions iniuries and slanders against the Republique and their Doctors full also of many motiues to sedition But the Writings of the Venetians following the intention of the Senate were full of all kinds
the State with the Pope a bout the end of October The Bishop told him that the Pope would not endure the emprisonment of a Canon and that hee was by him encouraged to doe the office of a Bishop that therefore it were good to giue satisfaction to his Holinesse by rendering the prisoner to the Iudge of the Church the crime being not so grieuous But the Pope was much more peremptory that he would not in any sort permit that Ecclesiastiques in any cause should be iudged by Seculars this being against the ordinance of the Councell The Embassadour aduertised the State of these passages and whilst he expected their answer the Pope againe complaines vnto him in another audience how that at Venice since the decease of Pope Clement 8. they had made a Decree forbidding Secular men to alienate their goods to Ecclesiastiques saying that howsoeuer that law were founded vpon another more ancient yet this latter was much more ample that both the one and the other were void and could not subsist as being against the Canons against the Councell and against the Lawes Imperiall that it was scandalous and made the condition of Ecclesiastiques worse then of infamous persons adioyning withall that they which made that law had incurred the Censures The he same cōmanded his Nuntio to propose in full Senate And the Embassadors of the Republique being come to Rome to congratulate with his Holinesse about the beginning of Nouember year 1605 hee repeated vnto them the same complaints chargint them at their returne to giue notice thereof vnto the Senate In the meane while they of Genoa for to satisfie the Pope had reuoked the Degree touching the reuiew of the accounts of their Fraternities but excused themselues for the other Decree touching the Congregation which for security of the State was necessarily to be executed Which did so much enrage the Pope that hee caused a Monitorie to be imprinted against that Republique meanacing the Cardinals of Genoa that if the Decree concerning the Oratories were not reuoked he would forthwith publish his Excommunication The Pope beleeued that by this example the State of Venice would bee induced toyeeld without vsing any reply to his desires strongly conceiuing that they would willingly abandon their liberty to auoid their trouble especially if they were taken before they had time to deliberate And therefore without expecting an answer to that which the Extraordinary Ambassadors had treated at their returne or that which the Ordinary had writ to Venice the Pope a new expostulated with the Ambassador both touching the imprisoned Canon and the Ordinance formerly mentioned the matter he exaggerated saying that the Law had beene made vpon Maundie Thursday and concluded his speech shewing the Monitory prepared against them of Genoa that he would be obeyed and that hee would send to Venice a Breue Exhortatory and after proceed yet further The Ambassador represented to his Holinesse that the 26. of March on which day the Law was made could not fall within the Holy weeke of that yeare considering that Easter day was then the tenth of April and praied him that since he had required him to write of these particularities to Venice and had giuen charge vnto the Ambassadors Extraordinary to treat thereof by word of mouth he would expect an answer before hee determined any thing in this businesse This stayed the Pope for a little time till that about the middle of Nouember the Ambassador hauing receiued answer to all that which he had written by order from his Holinesse although he had no intelligence of what the Extraordinary Ambassadors had treated he made remonstrance vnto him following the commandement which hee had from the Senate that the iust title and possession which the State hath to iudge Ecclesiasticall persons in causes criminall were founded on the naturall power of a Soueraigne Prince and on custome neuer interrupted by the space of a thousand yeares and approued by the Breues of Popes themselues yet extant in the publique Archiues shewing further that the Law against the alienation of Lay goods to the Clergie had not beene made only at Venice but was also receiued and established in the greater part of the cities of their Estate and for the rest which had it not it was their dutie to follow the ordinances of the Soueraigne and Capitall Citie He shewed likewise the equitie of that Law and how necessary it was in these times for the conseruation of the strength of their State by many reasons and examples of sundry Christian Kingdomes and euen of some Cities within the State Ecclesiasticall The Pope heard this discourse with impatience turning himselfe from one side to another and testifying by the outward gestures of his face and body how grieuously he did resent it within and then he answered that the reasons alledged were friuolous that for to iudge of an affaire it was to no purpose to ground it vpon custome which is often so much the worse as it is more ancient And for the Breues he said there was no other Archiue of the Breues of Popes but that at Rome that those which they pretended in fauour of their cause were but waste papers and that he would lay any wager they had not any authentique Breues in this matter For the Law he said that hauing passed his youth in the Schooles and after that practised in the Offices of Vice-Legat of Auditor of the Chamber and of Grand Viccar of the Pope he was become well versed and of good vnderstanding in these businesses so that he knew certainly that this Law was of itselfe inualid as was likewise the other of the yeare MD XXX VI that the power ouer his owne goods belongs to each man so that he may freely dispose of them neither can that freedome be restrained without tyrannie that the Senate it selfe esteemed it vniust forbidding to giue a copie thereof to any person that if else-where were any such like Lawes they had beene made by authoritie of Popes that it pertained not vnto the Venetians to gouerne the Ecclesiasticall State but to the Pope who might appoint and ordaine what himselfe pleased in that State and that hee would be obeyed In all this the Pope obserued not suffering himselfe to be transported by his vehement passion that whilst he desired to defend the Ecclesiasticall liberty he gaue vnto Secular men too great a licence to dispose of their goods at their pleasure without any restraint or respect of Lawes by calling that a tyrannie which was indeed a iust limitation he principally branded the Popes themselues guilty of the same excesse The Pope not content with these difficulties added yet another vnderstanding that the Count Brandolino Valdemarino Abbot of Neruese was imprisoned hee commanded that both this Abbot and the Canon should bee deliuered into the hands of his Nuntio Besides he heard of another Ordinance made in the yeare MDC III. whereby was prohibited the building of any new Church without the
Temporall as also that the Admonitions of his Holinesse haue here no place where the question is not of any thing Spirituall but of a matter meerely Temporall not any way touching the Papall Authoritie much lesse yet could they beleeue that his Holinesse full of Piety and Religion would persist without knowledge of the cause in his Comminations That this was the summary of thereasons of the Senate remitting themselues to their Ambassador Extraordinary further to explaine and open vnto him their intentions In the meane while the Pope longed with an extreame desire to haue their answer to his Breues which he expected would be conformable to his fantasie and he could not be perswaded that the State would haue more care to preserue their Liberty than feare of his threatnings Which that he might make to appeare more formidable he serued himselfe not only of the example of them of Genoa but yet of one much greater For hauing notice that the Duke of Sauoy had commanded the Bishop of Fossano to depart out of his Dominions which he was occasioned to doe vpon great and important reasons being hereby incensed he menaced the Duke with Excommunication vnlesse he reuoked his commandement At length the Letters of the Senate arriued at Rome and were presented by the Ambassador vnto the Pope who opened them in his presence and at the first sight was greatly moued for the errour committed in the presentation of two Breues both of one tenor in stead of two different and attributed the fault herein vnto his Nuntio And passing further in the reading of the Letter he shewed himselfe much more troubled In the end not comming to particularities he said that the Monitory Breues could not be answered and that the answers of the Senate were friuolous that the matter was cleare and that he was peremptorily resolued to proceed on further He added that lately he had heard of another Law touching goods Ecclesiasticall holden as Emphyteuticke which his pleasure was should be reuoked with the other and although till then he had not mentioned this Law because he knew not of it yet hee had more to say against it than against all the other that it behoued in all these things to obey him because his cause was the cause of God Et portae inferinon praeualebunt aduersus eam That if the Monks of Padua or other places should purchase more than were meet they might haue recourse to him and that in this case he would prouide the Secular Authority being not herein to intermedle which the Venetians doing were Tyrants and different frō their Ancestors The Pope spake all this with so great heat that the Ambassador did not iudge fit at that time to passe on further wherefore after some words concerning the last Law he tooke leaue But as he was going out of the Chamber of Audience the Pope called him backe and rising from his seat hee tooke him into a chamber apart where releasing some what the extŕeme rigor which hitherto he had vsed he discoursed moderately of his pretensions and heard the answers of the Ambass as she wing himselfe inclined to some composition and touching the Law newly questioned he concluded that he had not spoken of it if they had giuen him any satisfaction in the other two comprised in the Breue which he had sent And for the Prisoners that if they rendred the Canon vnto his Nuntio he would in fauour yeeld and deliuer the Abbot to the iudgement of the Secular Magistrate but that this should be done speedily because he was an enemie of time and would not that they should defer in hope that the Pope might die That if within fifteene daies he had contentment he promised not to trouble them during his Pontificate but if that time were expired that he would proceed Further he counselled the Ambassador to write hereof and that to this effect he meant to dispatch a Currier as also he did And in conformitie of this the Nuntio spake in Senate exhorting them with many words to giue satisfaction vnto the Pope by reuoking the two Lawes and by deliuering the Canon promising that this being done from his Holinesse they should receiue as ample fauours as in former times had beene euer granted by the See Apostolique to any Prince He mentioned also the Law of the Emphyteuses which the Pope esteemed more opposite to his authoritie than the other two notwithstanding he did not much inlarge himselfe vpon this point but left it without conclusion which caused in the Senate a great astonishment and the Duke not vnderstanding fully his meaning desired of him a more ample and exact explication But the Nuntio approching neere him said in his eare that it was not needfull to passe further vpon that subject promising on his word vnto his Highnesse that there should be no more speech of it The Duke did not thinke fit to keepe secret this promise and therefore he repeated aloud what the Nuntio had said vnto him and on his word had promised This release of rigor which the Pope vsed at Rome and his Nuntio at Venice made men beleeue that vpon the arriuall of the extraordinarie Ambassador with his Holinesse all these debates would easily be composed The Senate did much desire that the Pope would be perswaded by their reasons and therefore answered the Nuntio who earnestly moued them for their resolution that Duodo should goe to his Holinesse to represent vnto him that which had passed But the Pope scarcely let passe the fifteene daies when being returned to his accustomed rigor though the Ambassador Nani had told him that Duodo was already dispatched in the moneth of February he complained that they deferred so long saying he could not in any sort endure such delay and that he would not be tied to expect any longer And a few daies afterward when the Ambassador was relating vnto his Holinesse some newes of the route of Cicala vpon the confines of Persia he made not any reflexion vpon this narration but thinking all the while vpon Duodo he said Let him not come with any more reasons for you haue spoken thereof sufficiently The Pope remained firme in his deliberation and accordingly commanded his Nuntio to present the other Breue dated the 10. of December before and addressed to Marin Grimani Duke and to the Republique of the Venetians concerning the Canon and the Abbot Prisoners which commandement hee executed the 25. of February two daies after the departure of Duodo going to Rome his instructions being expedited vpon the 18. of the same Moneth The Duke appeared to be much offended that this Breue should be deliuered two daies after the departure of an Ambassador sent vpon this businesse and so much more because it was not addressed to him but should haue beene presented to his Predecessor In this Breue the Pope said That he vnderstood by the letters of his Nuntio and by the discourses of their Ambassador that the Canon and Abbot arrested hereto
fore by the Officers of the State were still detained pretending that they had power to doe this by vertue of some Priuiledges giuen them by the See Apostolique and by a custome which they haue to iudge persons Ecclesiasticall which things he would willingly suffer if they were conformable to the sacred Constitutions But being contrary to the holy Canons and to Ecclesiasticall liberty which hath ground in diuine ordinance he was forced by the dutie of his office to aduertise them that their custome was not auaileable as being repugnant to Canonicall institutions Therefore there remained one onely scruple whether the State had any priuiledge granted vnto them by his Predecessors that herein they should speake ingenuously and with confidence to the end it might be examined by himselfe and the Rom. Church who hereupon might giue their necessarie admonitions That they mistooke their grant and conceiued it larger than it was indeed because that the Republique had ouerpassed their iurisdiction as hauing extended it to persons and cases and places which were exempted whereof his Predecessors had sometime made complaint and by consequent had forfeited their Priuiledges as not obseruing the conditions prescribed when they were granted For which reasons he commanded vnder paine of Excommunication latae sententiae that speedily the Canon and the Abbot should be deliuered into the hands of his Nuntio who should chastise them according to the grauitie of their crimes lest any should thinke that his Ministers would abuse their Ecclesiasticall immunitie and exemptions and all men knew that he intended that the Ecclesiastiques should giue example of goodnesse to all others That if the Secular Officers had already proceeded to any acts or sentences of condemnation or execution he did annull them and declare them void threatning that if he were not obeyed or if they deferred to obey him he would proceed further so as Iustice should require not purposing to neglect any thing pertaining to his charge for the conseruation of the Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction The Senate hauing heard the contents of the Breue although they had already consulted the Doctors not onely touching the Lawes mentioned by the Pope in his other Breue but also touching the question of iudging Ecclesiastiques which his Holinesse first of all quarrelled as hath beene said and though they were by them resolued that the custome practised beyond all memorie in the State was lawfull and well grounded yet neuerthelesse lest any thing might be neglected which might helpe to cleare these difficulties againe they assembled the same Doctors which resided in Venice or other parts and required their opinions concerning the contents of this Breue what answer were fit to be made Vpon which consultation and after they had duely examined all circumstances the Senate answered the Pope the 11. of March in these termes That the Breue of his Holinesse had beene read with great reuerence but not without great griefe as thereby perceiuing that these matters of discord did euery day increase and that his Holinesse purposed to destroy the Lawes of their Republique which till this age so long had beene preserued intire For to command them to deliuer vp vnto his Nuntio the Canon and the Abbot was nothing else but to demand that they should despoyle themselues of their iust power to chastise crimes and wickednesse which power they had inioyed euen with the approbation of Popes from the originall of their Common-wealth That God had bestowed this power vpon them which were the first founders and establishers of their State and from them deriued to the present Gouernours which they had euer exercised with moderation without exceeding their lawfull bounds That the precedent Popes had herein approued them and if some one among them had attempted ought in preiudice of this authoritie giuen by God vnto the Republique this could not any way depriue them of their right nor did they forbeare notwithstanding to exercise their authoritie That the Senate were sufficiently perswaded considering the puritie of their conscience in this cause no place was left for the threatnings of his Holinesse hoping also that he would take in good part that which the Senate anciently and of late had done in this case for the honour of God and in consideration of the publique repose and for the punishment of malefactors Presently after the Pope had dispatched his Commission vnto his Nuntio to present the Breue he had aduice that in Rome there went a rumor that he was desisted or at least much abated in his pretensions Which so extremely vexed him that for to quench it and to recouer the reputation which hee seemed to haue hereby lost he resolued to speake a new in Consistorie and make it there appeare how he persisted in the same deliberations Wherefore the 20. of February the Cardinals being assembled hee made remonstrance what he had said the first time and adioyned what hee had yet to say against the Law of the Emphyteuses Neuerthelesse he did not permit any of the Cardinals in these points to speake any thing but passed on to Consistoriall matters After at the audience of the Ambassador he complained of their delaies and that the Extraordinarie was too slow in comming menacing that he would abridge the businesse The Ambassador failed not to answer that the Republique was not accustomed to defer affaires that it seemed his Holinesse meant to precipitate things forasmuch as in the Consistorie 12. of Decemb he had complained of the Republique touching the Law against building of Churches before he vnderstood either by word or writing what was the intention of the Senate in that behalfe And further that in the last Consistorie hee had made complaint concerning the Law which he called of Emphyteuses of which neither himselfe had written any one word nor had commanded him to write thereof nor caused his Nuntio to mention it The Ambassador also endeuoured by the mediation of Card. Borghese to stop a little the violent courses of the Pope But the Cardinall excusing the Pope answered that hee could not now giue backe since he had twise ingaged himselfe in this affaire in the Consistorie and to all Princes After these things arriued at Rome the answer of the Senate with charge vnto the Ambassador to present it immediatly before the comming of Duodo to the end that if the differences were by him composed yet this Breue might not remaine vnanswered The Ambassador therefore quickly presented it but the Pope not willing to reade it in his presence as he did the other only said that the Venetians did iust like those that strike first and then complaine that he would heare the Extraordinary Ambassador but not treat with him that if he brought him not some satisfaction he would passe on He added his vsuall complaints that they meant to delay the affaire and take the benefit of time of which he was an enemy not being able to endure any more prolongings He complained besides that the Ambassador Extraordinary deferred too
might haue order from himselfe which yet did no more succeed by reason of the opposition made by the Marshall Prainer ill affected towards the Venetians D'Alincourt Ambassador of the most Christian King did the same Office but as from himselfe to whose demands the Pope would not condescend but answered that he ought rather to exhort the Republique to obey wherefore he gaue aduise to the King his Master by the ordinary Currier as well of that which had passed as also of the Office by him tendered and of the Popes answer The Count of Verrüe Ambassadour of the Duke of Sauoy treated with more vigour in the name of his Master with his Holinesse exhorting him to make delay and to find meanes to compose these differences to whom he answered that this were the ready way to render the Venetian more obstinate and that the Duke ought to addresse himselfe to them to make them obey Whereupon the Ambassadour could not containe himselfe but replied that the word Obey was too harsh to be vsed towards a Soueraigne Prince and that a delay in this case would in the end be found very behouefull The great Duke of Tuscany also writ to the Bishop of Soana praying him to doe the same Office in his name with his Holinesse After the publication of the Monitory the Ambassadors of the Republique were visited by the Ambassadours of the Emperour of the King of France and of the great Duke of Tuscany who communicated vnto them what they had done with the Pope and how they found him still in his first resolution Some men were of opinion that the Pope according to the custome of those that are without experience quickly after the Monitory had beene published the heat of his courage being a little tempered would seriously consider the inconueniences which in all reason he might see would follow and hereby beginning to relent would desire an occasion to prolong the terme if he were thereunto required by the Republique Others said it was likely that by the mediation of Princes and their Ambassadors alone he would giue longer terme if he did beleeue that the Republique would accept it Which might haue beene for his aduantage considering that by this meanes a way had beene opened to cause his commandements to be receiued But the Pope remained firme resolued to see the issue of his Monitorie the publication whereof being knowne at Venice it was first by the Senate ordered that all should haue recourse to their praiers command was sent to al Churches Monasteries as well of men as women and other places of deuotion to make orisons and supplications following the ancient vsage and a good summe of money was also distributed in almes to these holy places Then after they deliberated vpon the Gouernment and consulted whether it were meet to leaue their Ambassadors at Rome or to call them home Some were of opinion that they should be recalled since that the Republique hauing receiued so great an iniury could not with any honour keepe them at Rome Others considered that to call them away were vtterly to breake off all communication In the end both opinions were approued and both the one and the other followed with this temperament They resolued to call home onely the extraordinarie Ambassador thereby sufficiently testifying their sensiblenesse of the wrong but to leaue the Ordinary to doe all offices of piety and reuerence towards the See Apostolique and to preuent an absolute rupture which they would auoid till they were forced by an extreme violence It was also determined to communicate all these matters to the Ambassador of England to whom till then they had not imparted any of these things for considerations which hinder to treat with him vpon points controuerted with the Pope And accordingly they writ to Gregory Iustiniano Ambassador of the Repub. in England that he should informe the King Henry Wotton the English Ambassador at Venice complained with words of courtesie that they had communicated these things to other Ambassadors so long before him but for the pretensions of the Pope he said that he could not vnderstand this Romane Theologie which is contrary to all iustice and honesty Now to the end that they might prouide against the inconueniences which the Popes Monitorie might cause command was giuen to all Prelates and Ecclefiasticall persons that they should not publish or permit to be published or affixed in any place wheresoeuer any Bulls Breues or other writings which might be sent vnto them Furthermore proclamation was made vnder paine of incurring the displeasure of the Prince that whosoeuer had any Copie of a certaine Breue published at Rome against the Republique should bring it vnto the Magistrates at Venice or to the Gouernours of Cities and other places of their State to which all men did so cheerefully obey and brought out so many copies that it was a thing maruellous to see what quantitie had beene imprinted neither was any one any where affixed by reason of the generall diligence of all the people who discouered in diuers places and caused to arrest those who came for that effect They imparted likewise to all the Agents of Princes which were then at Venice the reasons and causes of these motions and the same was written to all the Residents for the Republique with Princes It was also thought fit by the Senate to write to all Gouernours of Cities and places within their State and to giue them aduice of the iniurie which the Republique had receiued and did daily receiue from the Pope as also the pregnant reasons which they had in their defence with order that these letters should be communicated to the Consuls Communalties of their Cities Which being done euery where were seene the effects of an incredible obedience and submission towards their Prince with great resolution to defend and maintaine the publique liberty for aid whereof they offered succour of men of money and armes according to the abilitie of each place and these offers were afterwards performed in their time with the same promptitude and cheerefulnesse During this time Duodo the extraordinarie Ambassador of the Signiory at Rome receiued commandement to depart He tooke leaue of the Pope the 27. of the Moneth telling him that seeing he could not obtaine of his Holinesse to take into his consideration the reasons by him represented and hauing no more to say or doe he was called backe to Venice The Pope answered him with words of courtesie towards himselfe and touching the difference said that he had done nothing but what his conscience obliged him to doe that the case was cleare and decided that in the whole order of his proceedings he had followed the example of his Predecessors that his weapons in this quarrell were spirituall the vse whereof accorded well with that fatherly loue which he had euer caried to the Republique requiring onely such obedience as all Princes are bound to render vnto him But at Venice the Nuntio of the Pope
render him seruice the Emperour excused himselfe for what had passed saying he knew nothing of it Which was very likely considering that his Ambassador at Venice was present with the Duke in all the Chappels and Solemnities as also was the Ambassador of the most Christian King In Spaine vpon the first newes which was brought touching the pretensions of the Pope and the answer of the Republique they knew well that i◠concerned the common interest of all Princes and commended the constancie of the Senate although that the Marquis de Villenas Ambassador at Rome inclined to the Popes side to the end to obtain by that means the Cardinalate for Don Gabriel Pacieco his brother he writ also into Spaine in fauour of his Holinesse But they not beleeuing that for such a cause men would come to armes and being assured that the Republique would maintaine the common cause of all Princes iudging specially that they might draw profit to themselues if these dissensions betweene the Pope and the Republique were continued since a difference between two the most Potent Princes of Italy would render their affairs more firme and that if the Republique should preuaile against the Pope it would increase so much more their Temporall Iurisdiction and if happily these things might be reduced to the termes of a rupture that which they did not beleeue it was in their power to hinder the warre if their vtilitie required so or to serue themselues thereof to their aduantage they left the businesse to haue its course without giuing any instructions to the Ambassador who was at Rome who by this meanes might continue his practises in fomenting the intentions of the Pope whereunto his owne inclination and profit carried him going so farre as to promise succour of armes when there should be need yet onely with generall words which did not precisely oblige him But vpon notice that the Interdict was published the King saw that things had passed further than he was willing and was grieued that he had no sooner interposed The Nuntio in the meane while made instance that the Ambassador of Venice might be declared Excommunicate in the Pulpits saying that if the Ambassador presented himselfe in the Chappell of the King hee would command the Kings Chaplaines to cease the Diuine Offices and if he were not obeyed that he would goe out In this Court were rendered many euill offices to the Republique especially by them of Genoa out of enuie because their Republique had yeelded to the Popes will and that of Venice preserued their libertie They turned all to their aduantage recommending Genoa for Deuotion and Obedience and ascribing to obstinacie and want of Religion that which had beene iustly done at Venice for the conseruation of their owne Libertie But aboue all that shewed themselues enemies of the Venetians the principall was the Bishop of Monte-pulcian Ambassador of the great Duke of Tuscany who not only abstained from visiting the Ambassador of Venice but also sought all occasions to detract from the actions of the Republique as also Asdruball de Montaigu Resident for the same Duke at Venice did not cease to doe in like manner on all occasions that were offered For these reasons at Madrid in the House and presence of the Cardinall of Toledo was assembled a Congregation of twelue Diuines where it was consulted whether they should admit the Ambassador of Venice to Diuine Offices not only the Nuncio but the Iesuites also making great instance that he might be excluded but in the Congregation there being none which opined against the Republique but only the Iesuites it was in the end concluded that nothing should be altered And the King that he might not declare himselfe either by admitting or excluding him in his Chappell remained many daies without vsing it And the newes being arriued in this Court that the Ambassador Soranzo had beene excluded at Prage from the Processiō they did not make any great accoūt of what had passed in the Court of the Emperour touching this businesse and the Nuntio who in his instances proposed him for example was answered that that Kingdome was not gouerned after examples of others The Ambassador of Spaine at Venice being not accustomed to be present in the Ecclesiasticall Ceremonies with the Duke because of the question of Prioritie betweene him and the other of France had no occasion herein to shew the intention of his Master but in all other things he comported himselfe after the same fashion as before treating after the accustomed manner so that no man saw any difference And though in these affaires and others the King of Spaine and his Ministers shewed much respect towards the Republique yet they intended to make declaration for the Pope his Holinesse hauing written very effectuall Letters vnto the King and to the Duke of Lerma to which they made answer conformably to his desire so as shall be said hereafter In France when vpon the thirtieth of Ianuary Peter Prinli Ambassador of the Repub. gaue aduise vnto the King of all that had passed his Maiestie testified a very great desire that there might bee found some meanes of agreement which might be without preiudice and that a Treatie to this purpose might be furthered giuing example in himselfe who had eluded the great instances which had beene made vnto him for the receiuing of the Trent Councell so far as offer was made him to restraine it where it should be contrary to the liberties of the French Church And albeit he knew well at what they aimed notwithstanding that he made his benefit of the time dissembling somethings which he saw well He enquired further of the Ambassador how these encounters might be auoided without wrong to the order in Gouernment vsed in the Republique discouering herein a desire to be sollicited to be a Mediatour in this affaire He commanded also speedily Alincourt his Ambassador at Rome that he should render all kinde of good Offices for the Republique with his Holinesse Fresne likewise Ambassador of the same King at Venice aduertised the Senate that the Pope had made knowne vnto his Master the iustice of his cause and therefore exhorted them as of himselfe to informe the King to the end that he might receiue some impression adding that as well himselfe as the Ambassador which was at Rome had commission to serue his Serenitie Which words were vttered with great zeale as well by the King as by his Ministers with aime to finde an ouerture to be employed in the composing of so great a difference For which the Senate thanked the King and gaue information to his Ambassador vpon all the points controuerted as also commanded Prinli their Ambassador in France to represent the same things to the King which he did accordingly Now presently after the newes of the publication of the Monitory at Rome was arriued in France the Nuntio Barberin made great instance that the Ambassador of Venice might be excluded out of the Churches but he could
obtaine nothing not only because the purpose of the King was to carry himselfe as a Neuter but especially because that Kingdom holds it for a matter most certaine and apparant that Popes haue no power ouer the Temporalty of Princes and that they cānot proceed by Censures against Thē or their Officers in things which cōcerne the State Vpō these reasons the Nuntio was cōstrained to quit his pretensions and they treated with the Ambassador of Venice after the maner accustomed not altering any thing for the Popes Censures On the contrary as soone as the King knew of the Publication of the Monitory at Rome he complained greatly of the too hastie proceedings of the Pope and sent a dispatch to him with speed requesting him to prolong the Terme with designe to interpose his authority by consent of the parties to accommodate the difference He further writ thereof particular Letters to this effect vnto the two brethren of the Pope to the Cardinall Borghese and to the French Cardinals and although the Post did not arriue till after the daies prefixed by the Monitory Alincourt the Ambassador of the King did not therefore omit to deliuer the Letters and to treat thereof with his Holinesse who excused himselfe for as much as the Terme was expired which took from him the meanes of prolonging it and so of giuing satisfaction vnto the King The King was offended that his mediation had beene so little esteemed neuerthelesse he resolued to pursue it and writ to his Ambassador that he should not neglect to treat with the Pope for to giue ouerture to some other meanes of accord In England the opinion which that King hath of the Popes authoritie being well knowne to all the world any one may iudge how he receiued the newes of these actions of the Pope Nor shall it be necessary to relate any thing therof but only the answer which the King gaue to Iustiniano Ambassador for the Republique then when he informed him of all that had passed in Senate which was very notable The King then hauing heard the relation of the Ambassador after he had shewed how well he accepted that office and had commended the Lawes of the Republique said that he longed to see the whole Church of God reformed and that to this end he desired much a Free Councel to determine so many Controuersies which haue no other cause but the Spirituall Vsurpations of the Roman Bishops in which desire he thought the King of France and other Princes would ioine with him that perhaps God meant to produce this happinesse out of these troubles of the Republique that he had spoken thereof to Pope Clement then when hee was moued by him when first hee came to the Crowne of England to vnite himselfe vnto the Romane Church but he would not heare any thing of a Councell that this Vnion was much to be desired but clearely there was no other meane to effect it then by a free Generall Councell The King added moreouer that the ruine of the Church proceeded from this that the Popes esteemed themselues as Gods and further were so corrupted by flattery that it was no maruell if they could not giue care to any reason and if they proceeded with precipitation From Holland the States of those Prouinces Vnited and the Count Maurice of Nassau apart writ letters of great affection to the Repub. offering succour of armes and victuals with all sorts of seruices vpon any occasions which might be offered by this difference whereunto the Senate answered by letters full of the like beneuolence accepting their offers if necessitie should require At Turin when the Duke of Sauoy vnderstood by Peter Contarini Ambassador of the Republique how the Monitorie had beene affixed at Rome he shewed that he had beene formerly aduertised thereof and made it appeare that he well vnderstood the reasons of the Republique and that it was the common cause of all Princes so as he could not make any demonstration in fauour of the Pope although the Nuntio made great instance to that purpose Yet not willing openly to offend his Holinesse he abstained from the Chappell to take away all occasion of quarrell Notwithstanding the Ambassador which he had at Venice did not gouerne himselfe with the same moderation but on the contrary retired himselfe from the Court auoiding the Dukes presence though he was often inuited and in the Citie in the part where hee had his lodging he did many euill offices towards the Ecclesiastiques against the Repub and in fauour of the Pope which serued more to shew his crooked spirit and passion then to doe any hurt or damage to the State And the Duke himselfe although he had alwaies the same opinion of the Popes Censures did not afterward treat in the like fashion with the Ambassador For the Republique hauing written to his children with the title of Excellencie so as they had accustomed he in disdaine hereof made a Chappell without admitting thereunto the Ambassador and gaue him notice that it was because the Republique had not vsed the stile of Highnesse to his Sonnes At Florence the great Duke did not make any nouelty with Robert Lio Secretary of the Republique but treated with him in all respects as formerly he was wont But Antony Grimani Bishop of Torcelli the Popes Nuntio in that place altho a Venetian Gentleman himselfe refused to receiue the Secretary into his House giuing him to vnderstand that he would not be visited by Him vntill he had order from Rome what he should do Yet a few daies after hauing changed his minde no man knowes for what reason without expecting any other order from Rome he returned to treat with him as before At Naples the Count de Beneuento Viceroy vpon that which was represented vnto him by Austine Dolce Resident in that Court for the Republique blamed the rash proceedings of the Pope approued the reasons of the Republique and treated alwaies with the Resident as formerly as did in like manner Bastoni Bishop of Pauie the Popes Nuntio The like was also obserued at Milan by the Count de Fuentes Gouernour of that Estate towards Antony Paulucci Resident with him for the Repub. For the other Cities of Italy the Repub hath not in them any Minister The Dukes of Mantua and Modena also testified what esteeme they made of the Repub. and what iudgement they had of the Popes actions by meanes of their Residents at Venice But to resume our discourse the Princes of Italie together with the Ambassadors of Kings as well at Rome as at Venice after that they knew that the Pope seeing his Monitorie lightly esteemed was much perplexed as if he had manifestly repented him of the fact had some hope that the affaire might be accommodated and each of them desired to be a Mediator in the difference and during three Moneths after the publication they offered themselues not without enuy one of another The Duke of Mantua who had notice from his Agent at
they were ready to receiue any iust aduice tending to peace And therefore that he should imploy himselfe toward the Pope to cause him to take off his Censures that so a way might be opened for the Senate to shew their good will and then in respect vnto his Maiestie they would doe whatsoeuer they could possibly sauing alwaies their Libertie The Ambassadour hereupon replied that the King foreseeing and fearing the euils which would follow vpon these differences not for any particular interest but meerely out of respect to the Republique had deliberated to interpose Himselfe that alreadie at Rome he had done all that could be desired in this affaire Wherefore it seemed vnto him that the Senate ought to put confidence in the King and declare vnto him what they would doe in case that the Pope should take off the Censures or for to induce him to reuoke his Monitory But since the Senate would not depart from these general termes nor trust the King hee was resolued to retire himselfe and henceforth not to trouble any person about this businesse For touching the Pope who beleeued that he had not done amisse as being ruled and conducted by the holy Spirit and that in reuoking his Censures he should suffer in his reputation it could not be possible to draw him to it but only by shewing him what he might obtaine for his satisfaction in fauour of his Dignitie He said moreouer that Alincourt found the Pope of a nature firme and resolute and that it was meet to be a skilfull Orator to perswade him that if sometimes being vanquished by reason hee yeelded a little yet after he was wont to resume his former resolution And when he was forced by reason he would say he would thinke on the matter but this thinking was to remaine constant in his resolutions Wherefore if they would say no more the King his Master would not intermeddle THIRD BOOKE WHilest these things were treated at Venice at Rome and in the Courts of Princes the Iesuites did not cease to doe all sorts of euill offices to the Republique within and without Italy in the Cities where they liued scattering many calumnies as well in priuate Discourses as in their publique Sermons So farre as that they sent Letters into the Signiory to their adherents and caused their Deuotes to come to the Confines and themselues very often entred the State disguised and vnknowne for to seduce the Subiects publishing Indulgences in fauour of them who would obserue the Interdict or perswade others to obserue it or who would fauour the pretensions of the Pope They forged also false and counterfeit Letters dispersing them vnder the name of the Republique of Genoa to that of Venice and also scattered in many places a writing of one of their Sectaries in the name of the Citie of Verona to the Citie of Bresse These artifices being come to the knowledge of the Senate it was decreed that information should be made against the seditious actions of these men as well since these last occasions as long time before vpon many others And touching that which they had done in this last occasion it was manifestly iustified that in their Sermons they had vsed inuectiues against the Republique calling them Heretiques Lutherans and slandering the Gouernment as tyrannicall abominable with an infinite number of like Epithetes and that within the Cities of Ferrara Bologne Parma Mantua Bari Palermo and in other places that from their sleights and suggestions had proceeded all the euill passages happening in Spaine and in Bohemia vnto the Ambassadour of the Republique and in France and Polonia they had attempted that they might receiue all kinds of affronts especially in England that they had done all the disgrace vnto them which they could with the Catholiques of that Kingdome so farre as to finde fault that the Republique held an Ambassador with the King as that King reciprocally at Venice although they excused other Princes saying that their interests required it but there was not the like reason for the Republique That with the Princes of Italy they had endeuoured to effect that the Republique should not be permitted to make any leuy of men within their Estates when this deuice succeeded not they went in all places detesting the name of Venice and finally menacing them that should go to warre in their defence the seditions are numberlesse which they haue excited within the Dominions of the State by their Letters instructions and speeches with the Subiects of the Republique who went for their affaires vnto the Cities where these men were with their deuoted ones which they caused to come vpon the confines of the State It was further iustified that a good part of the vexations done by the Pope vnto the Republique vpon these occasions had proceeded from their instigations and from the hopes that they had giuen him that they had a faction and could put diuision in the Senate Now for matters passed formerly it was also verified that when the Republique after the death of Henry 3. gaue the title of most Christian King vnto Henry 4. these men had vaunted at Rome that they had put scruples in the consciences of many Senators who had repented themselues of that they had done promising to absolue them in case that they would promise to retract that therefore it was facile at the least instance of the Pope to change the whole face of this affaire which was the cause that his Holinesse pressed them who being not satisfied hence followed so many discontentments that on diuers occasions they had shewed themselues the fauourers of great Princes by that meanes had mingled themselues in the affaires of Gouernment that they dispended yearely aboue an hundred crownes in the portage of Letters whereby appeared the multitude of their affaires and the correspondencies which they had in all parts Further it was proued against them that they had great designes vpon the goods and faculties of their Penitents and of Women especially to the great preiudice of Families Also their Doctrine was considered in matters Politique that they praised Monarchy and blamed an Aristocratie with certaine Maximes very contrary to the Gouernment and Institution of the Republique adde hereunto that the Iesuites had beene the Authors and Instruments of all Vproares Seditions Confusions and Ruines happening within our Times in all Kingdomes and States in the world Wherfore hauing found their faults in so great number and they not only in some particulars of them but in the corps of their Societie all was proposed in Senate who deliberated hereupon the fourteenth of Iune and made the Decree which followeth That the Congregation of Iesuites hauing beene receiued at Venice from their first beginning and there euer since fauoured they on the contrary returning nothing but ingratitude towards the Republique and shewing themselues still inclined to doe all sorts of euill Offices to that State in which disposition they yet continued by insupportable enterprises and insolent
conuenient for themselues to tell him Particularly the assurance which the King gaue that hee would not assist the Pope but for the defence of his owne Estate against forraine Nations and further that he might know how the Republique treated with the French But the Nuntio would neuer consent to treat no not secretly with the Ambassador of Venice Although the businesse of the agreement was in the hands of two great Kings neuerthelesse the great Duke of Tuscany had an excessiue desire that by his meanes it might bee ended Whereupon he complained vnto the Resident of the Republique with him and also made it knowne by his Resident at Venice that hee had effectually employed himselfe with the Pope not to any other end then for the quiet of the Repub. in which hee had no other interest then that of amitie his owne affaires being in good case and very well setled That if there had beene any correspondence on the side of the Republique by communicating vnto him their intentions and giuing him some liberty to treat hee had peraduenture brought the affaire to good termes adding withall a large discourse of the profit and aduantages of Concord of the damages and incommodities of Warre The Senate made answer to his Resident and gaue order to Robert Lio Secretary of the Signiorie who was with his Highnesse to let him vnderstand that his sinceritie and good will was well knowne vnto them that the offices which hee had done with the Pope were acceptable and that his discourses were very true but the times were such that the Republique could not condescend to any particular proposition before the Censures were remoued because the Pope hauing interrupted all commerce and meanes of treatie it was meet that hee should open the way by taking off his Censures which way once opened they might then aduise vpon the propositions which they should finde most proper to put an end to the differences This answer being made by Robert Lio to the great Duke he replied That his intention was very good for the good of the Republique which he would alwaies procure if he were required that his owne affaires were not in any bad case that he should desire a change that he was aged and therefore his counsels merited to be followed that on both sides notable faults had beene committed by passion and that there was need of a Physitian that they might make vse of him to that purpose that he had spoken freely to the Pope who was in some diffidence with him because he had not offered him succours as did others that the Pope was well inclined but the Cardinals did ill offices that he would yet further imploy himselfe for the Republique and speake in their behalfe if they thought well otherwise he knew not what he could do When the proposition of the Senate was arriued in France by which the King was desired to make some declaration his Maiestie answered That the Nuntio of the Pope had required of him the same in the name of his Holinesse But he saw very well that in declaring himselfe he should doe nothing else but render himselfe suspected on the one side and consequently depriue himselfe of all power to be a Mediator for an accord and vtterly to breake off the treatie already begun Vpon this reason he did not thinke fit to declare himselfe for either partie or to fauour the reasons of the one or of the other but remaining neutrall to continue the treatie of agreement which might bee more profitable to both parties then the declaration could be aduantageous to either of them and so much the rather because he had a good hope very quickly to finish it also that the Senate must needs yeeld a little because the Pope was not vnwilling to haue all accommodated But the King of England although hee was much busied by the presence of the King of Denmarke his Brother in Law in such sort that he could not thinke on any other affaire or giue audience vnto any Ambassador yet hauing notice that Iustimano the Ambassador of Venice had something to say vnto him he heard him and after hee had vnderstood all the progresse and successe of matters passed with the demand of the Senate He answered That he was much comforted to vnderstand the Constancie of the people and the Vnion of the Senate to the defence of their proper liberty of Iustice and of the Power giuen by God to all Princes Hee laughed at the declaration of Spaine made only by a Letter saying that he who will come to effects is not wont to giue words that He was obliged to the Repub. for the affection which they had testified to him and for their demonstration of Honour towards Him in sending their Ambassador Ordinarie and Extra ordinarie And therefore that there was contracted betweene them an amitie reciprocall and sincere so as there should neuer be occasion of rupture betweene the Republique and Him that Hee could not say so much for others But for that which the Senate then demanded He held himselfe obliged to condescend First because in iudgement He approued the actions of the Republique and secondly since they had a great cōfidence in Him that He should shew himselfe ingratefull and vniust if He refused to protect a cause so righteous wherein the Senate onely defended themselues from oppression and susteined their liberty together with the authoritie of all Princes that it was indeed a prudent aduise to proceed herein with dexteritie to auoid Warre and Troubles but if the violence of others would needs bring all to a rupture the Senate might rest assured that in the word of a Prince hee would assist the Republique with all his forces That he had giuen charge to his Ambassadour at Venice to performe more amply the same Office not being able then to say more for the presence of the King of Denmarke The Earle of Salisbury by commandement from the King confirmed the same things to the Ambassadour and added thereunto that the King was not moued to assist the Republique for any designe that he had to diuide the Members of the Romane Church from their Head that he knew well they meant not to leaue their own Religion wherein he did not blame them that he was carried to this resolution by the Declaration which the Spaniard had made for the Pope that his intention onely was to oppose himselfe to those who assaied to depriue Princes of their Libertie and to aid those that would sustaine and defend it The Ambassadour of England at Venice spake on the same manner saying That he had particular Commandement from the King his Master to oblige him vnder the Word of a King to a neere Vnion with the Republique to assist them with Connsell and Forces as also to labour with all his Friends that they should doe the same nor for any base ends or priuate interests nor for to foment a diuision nor to come into concurrence or opposition with
this time that they seem'd to be written on this occasion and such as certainely at this day none could write so well and so resolutely Hereunto was adioyned a Letter without the name of the Author whereby the Curates were exhorted to take care of their Churches and not to feare the offence of God by not obseruing the Interdict But the Inquisition of Rome the 27. of Iune prohibited by name this last Writing and also the others not yet imprinted vnder paine of Excommunication for them that read or kept them alledging for reason that they contained many propositions rash scandalous slanderous seditious schismaticall and hereticall with this clause respectiue to make all ambiguous In the end they brake off silence at Rome whence came out a little Booke of Cardinall Bellarmines against the Treatises of Gerson and a little after the Admonition of Cardinall Baronius full of railing speeches and detractions as also a Discourse of Cardinall Colonna hoping by such Writings to moue the fidelitie of all sorts of persons forasmuch as Card. Colonna had indeuoured to terrifie the Prelates and other Ecclesiastiques placed in the greatest charges by the feare of Censures and the priuation of their Dignities and Benefices Card. Bellarmine aimed to shake the deuout consciences by exalting the authoritie of the Pope so far as to make it equall to that of God And Card. Baronius thought by his reuiling and declaiming to draw to his cause all learned Persons They did not beleeue at Rome that any would be found so bold as to oppose himselfe to the reputation of these great Cardinals considering their high and eminent qualitie as also they hoped to finde that ignorance among the people which they had long laboured to breed and bring in But at Venice to the end that no weake conscience might be troubled by the Hyperbolees of Card. Bellarmine he was speedily answered to discouer the truth and to shew vnto all what obedience a Christian owes to the Soueraigne Bishop where also the publique Reasons were manifested the three Ordinances of the Republique maintained together with their Authority to iudge and punish Ecclesiastiques which the Pope in his Monitorie had oppugned with other Writings intituled Considerations and Aduises And in as much as it seemed necessarie to giue account to all the world that the commandement made by the Republique for the continuation of Diuine Seruice was iust and lawfull they iudged expedient to proue it by a Treatise of the Interdict and withall the Senate gaue permission to imprint other Bookes in fauour of the publique prouided that men should obserue herein the Lawes which the State prescribed that is that there should be nothing written contrary to faith good maners the Authoritie of Princes And because the Inquisitor was not able to examine all Writings which were presented to be allowed to the Presse there were deputed fiue Diuines together with the Patriarchall Vicar and the Diuine of the Repub. to take care of those matters As soone as these foresaid Writings appeared in Rome the Inquisition presently censured them by particular name because as they said they contained heresies errors and scandals with the ordinary clause respectiuè and adioyned a Prohibition of all other Writings which should be made against the Interdict whether in Print or Manuscript so as they might not be read or kept without incurring the penalty of Excommunication and reseruation of their absolution These prohibitions which might considering the terrors of Excommunication haue repressed all Writings to be made in fauour of the Republique did not withstanding produce a contrary effect forasmuch as many did hence conclude that reason could not stand on their side who would not suffer the Reasons of both parties to be read and published Others said that these three Cardinals had disguised the truth and would not that it should be discouered Others thought strange that all Writings which might be made were prohibited as if they pretended to haue the spirit of prophecie to foresee that men could write nothing good or else of authority to extinguish indifferently the good with the euill There were some who from this Prohibition collected that in those Writings was nothing worthy of Censure seeing that the Court of Rome had not the boldnesse to note any particular and by this Aduerbe Respectiuè they had reserued to themselues a shrowd against all obiections Whereupon some proposed that for their owne defence against such iniuries it was meet by publique decree to prohibite all Writings composed in fauour of the Pope But others represented that this would be to imitate that which they reprehended in another that the free course of these Writings would be for the aduantage of the Republique and that hereby men should see that on their part nothing was palliated or disguised neither that they distrusted the iudgement of the World vpon that they had done This opinion preuailed in such sort that not onely the Writings in this Cause were tolerated but also the publique felling of them permitted and Liberty giuen to bring them into the State Touching them that held for the Pope it is to be noted that all that time which passed from Iuly to that Aprill wherein the Peace was concluded all sorts of Persons striued to be writing to gaine the good grace of his Holinesse Wherefore there were published many Treatises as well of Iesuites as of others partly vnder true names partly vnder fained to which Learned mē made answers to repell their slanders and to confure those false Doctrines which they attempted to scatter The Doctrine of the Venetian Writers was in summe That God hath established two Gouernments in the World the one Spirituall and the other Temporall each one of them being supreme and independent vpon the other The one is the Ecclesiasticall Ministery the other is the Ciuill Gouernment Of the Spirituall he hath giuen the care vnto the Apostles and to their Successors of the Temporall the charge is put in the hands of Princes in such sort that one may not intermeddle in that which appertaines to the other that the Pope hath no power to abrogate the Lawes of Princes in Temporall matters nor to depriue them of their Estates or free their Subiects from their Allegeance which they owe vnto them that to depose Kings from their Estates is a new thing neuer attempted till within this fiue hundred years against the Scriptures and the examples of Iesus Christ and of his Saints and that to teach that in case of controuersie betweene the Pope and a Prince it is lawful to pursue him by frauds and open force or that the Subiects which rebell against him doe by that meanes obtaine remission of their sinnes is a Doctrine seditious and sacrilegious that Ecclesiasticall men by Diuine Law are not exempted from the Secular Power neither in their persons nor in their goods but haue receiued from godly and deuout Princes since Constantine the Great vntill Fredericke the second diuers Priuiledges
of respect vnto the Pope and of modestiē towards them who had written in his fauour pressing the matter in hand without digressions and without nothing the faults of the Court of Rome not for want of good information being so many and so notorious to all the World but onely to vse all due seemelinesse which is not to passe from the matter to the persons as doe those who faile of reasons All this may be euidently seene in the Recollections printed in diuers places and in seuerall Languages wherein are contained the Writings of both parties The Spaniards were not well pleased with the publication of these Writings and they signified vnto the Pope that it was better to proceed herein by his sole Authority forasmuch as Books gaue matter of discourse vnto the World and occasion to each one to frame his iudgement with diminution of the Popes authority Especially that they of his side had too far trenched vpon the Authority of Princes which could not bring any aduantage to the Church as also that they did more abound with reuilings then with reasons besides that each proposition drew to it selfe an Answer Also Father Sosa a Franciscane was reprehended for Writing in Spanish vpon this matter and he was inioyned to call in all the Copies of his Booke which accordingly he did And at the instance of the Nuntio they consented that all these Writings should be forbidden not by the Counsell of the King as was desired but by the Inquisition And lest the Protestation of the Prince should be included they specified by name in the Censure all Writings imprinted saue onely that censuring the Manuscripts in generall tearmes in the end commanding that for the time to come none should write in this cause for the one side or for the other Not withstanding this Edict was not imprinted nor affixed contenting themselues onely to haue it published throughout the Parishes which are Churches lesse frequented By occasion of these Writings in Milan was like to haue followed a great disorder For as they were greedily read by some in secret so were they by some ill affected bitterly reprehended with calumnies and iniuries familiar to the Ecclesiastiques which Antony Paulucci Secretary of the Repub. could not endure and gaue testimony of his dislike Whereupon a Processe was formed against him in the Inquisition which being come to his knowledge he complained thereof to the Count de Fuentes who maruailed at their presumption and promised to take speedy order for his quietnesse But a few daies after a Notary of the Office cited him in the name of the Inquisitor to whom he answered that he was a publique Person and vnder the protection of the Count and that he owed no obedience to any besides his Prince threatning the Notary to proceed against him on another fashion The Count aduertised hereof sent for the Inquisitor and signified to Paulucci that he might come securely to the Audience Yet after the Count had talked with the Inquisitor he said to Paulucci that he published too freely the Reasons of the Repub. and that he should doe well to goe to the Inquisitor who had one word to speake vnto him and no more Paulucci refused to submit himselfe to any whomsoeuer without Commission from his Prince The Count offred to send along the Treasurer Torniello to accompany him to the Office who should stay with him till the Inquisitor had taken his answere and then conduct him backe vnto his house For which Paulucci thanked him but said hee could not doe it without leaue Wherefore the Count sent to tell him that hee would not trouble him any further or take more knowledge of the matter The Secretary gaue aduice of all to Venice whereupon complaint was presently made to the Ambassador of Spaine and all that their Secretary had done was approued The Ambassador hauing written hereof vnto the Count he called Paulucci telling him that he had spoken too boldly of these affaires and that it behoued him to giue no scandall To which Paulucci answered that he hoped his Excellency would take order for the time to come that none should giue him any occasion Afterward the Inquisitor gaue him to vnderstand that not as Inquisitor but as his friend he desired to speake with him in some priuate house He answered that before this difficulty he was stil ready to speake with him as a particular Friend but now he could not and he would not doe it But to returne to the treaty of Peace which still continued not withstanding that either part defended their Reasons by writing in the end of August was made a greater ouerture to the Agreement which almost gaue perfection vnto the Treaty although afterwards many Negotiations passed without effect On the seuenteenth of August Mounsieur de Fresne came to the Senate with Letters from the King of the fourth of August wherein he testified his great displeasure for the Differences betweene the Pope and the Republique fearing the mischiefes which might ensue that in regard of the place which he held in Christ endome for his Deuotion to the See Apostolique and for the Amity which he had with the Republique he was moued to interpose himselfe desiring to finde some honest Composition but that he should be hindered to execute this his laudable designe if the Republique did not aid him by such meanes as depended vpon them that he had enioyned Fresne his Ambassador to exhort his Serenity to continue his ordinary Prudence and the affection which he had towards God towards Christendom and towards the State and to assure him that his intention aimed meerely at the conseruation of the Libertie of the Republique The Letter of the King being read Fresne made his proposition saying that the King was disgusted for that he could not draw from them any thing but generall words in a businesse so important and so pressing that he doubted the new instance which now he made with sincerity would bring discontent and be interpreted to other ends than he intended neuerthelesse being a friend and obliged to the Republique for that which sometimes they had done in his behalfe and remembring their courtesies as also fore-seeing the inconueniences which might fall out he was sory for this quarrell and had interposed himselfe not being desired to stay these euils which doubtlesse would increase if the Repub. would not aide him that the Pope had condescended to honest Conditions and such as he seemed not to demand any thing contrary to the Dignitie and Liberty of the Republique that the King would be displeased if the Pope hauing iustified his Cause to the World in some sort though in effect all iudged for the Repub. they should resist the Motions of al Christian Princes in which case he could not fauour them as otherwise he was purposed to doe if the Pope against all iustice would force their Libertie and endamage their Gouernment for then he would employ all his Forces all his Armes and his
this Congregation and of the qualitie of those that were elected as also for that the Pope had not expected the answer of the King as he had promised And because he had then receiued answer from the King concerning that which the Republique had yeelded in gratification to his Maiestie he gaue them thanks for the Prisoners and for the other things which they had promised yet he signified that there remained some doubt in the King that the Pope would hardly be induced to reuoke his Censures before the Suspension of the Lawes seeing the Lawes had giuen occasion to the Publication of the Censures that his Maiestie had considered the Reasons of the Republique and approued them and that hee would serue himselfe thereof in time and place although he would not contest with the Pope who hauing cast himselfe into a precipice by euill counsell yet would not see the meanes to recouer himselfe and therefore often recalled the word which he had once giuen and all delay put him in doubt and suspition Wherefore he exhorted them speedily to put an end vnto the Difference which could not be done without suspending the execution of their Lawes alledging for reason that this was nothing but a pure ceremonie should be done in gratificatiō of the King not of the Pope That it should be done to no other end then to giue some pretext vnto the Pope to retire himselfe with honour and that haply in so doing there should be no speech of the Prisoners nor the Protestation That the King in all this protested he desired not any whit to preiudice their Liberty and their Estate as hauing for end only the common good That hereby they perceiued his intentions to differ from theirs who had requested the Pope to suffer no Cōposition but by their meanes the end whereof was to consume both the one part the other Fresne adioyned that when they should bee forced to make Warre the King would readily serue the Republique if they would communicate with him their Designes as well offensiue as defensiue Hee demanded also assurance that they would not treat of the Accord but by his Mediation and by no other meanes because the King was not yet certaine that the Pope would cast himselfe into the armes of Spaine But if he should see him resolued to breake he knew well how to restraine his furie which he would doe principally for the fauour and good intelligence which hee had with the Republique though if he had not so strict an alliance with them yet he was obliged by reason of State to assist them and oppose himselfe against their ruine Vpon this the Senate thought it conuenient to procure a confirmation of all this from the Kings owne mouth and therefore commanded their Ambassador Resident with him to doe all that he could to discouer the minde of his Maiestie and to draw from him this confirmation intreating him that since the Pope relying vpon the Spaniards and others did not cease to Arme and because the times required his Maiestie would be contented to vse his authoritie to stop the course of these euils which if they should continue the Republique could not but haue recourse to their true ancient and approued Friends among whom he was the Principall And when it should please him confidently to communicate with them his intentions they would send vnto his Maiestie a Person expresly to treat of particularities To this the King answered that hee had beene desired by the Nuntio in the name of the Pope to declare himselfe for his Holinesse that he would answer them in like manner as he had answered the Pope to wit that to declare himselfe for either partie wereto foment the Differences and therefore he would not fauour the purposes of the one side or the other as did the Spaniards for their owne aduantage but if they should disturbe the publique tranquillitie in that case he would doe what beseemed him and as any one might coniecture but for the present they ought not to presse such Declarations but rather studie to preuent a rupture for to auoid the incommodities of War which none can comprehend but they that haue tried them especially considering the danger of Religion which Warre importeth That for these reasons it was fit to vse all meanes not to interrupt the Treaty nor to render him incapable to conclude the agreement as he should be if he declared himselfe for the one or the other that to send vnto him an expresse Ambassador was to render him suspected vnto the Pope and to giue occasion to the Spaniards to fill his minde with euill impressions Further they communicated to the Ambassador of England Resident at Venice the Preparations which the Pope made at Rome and told him that he might now publish the Declaration of the King his Master and procure the Succours which he promised accordingly they gaue order to their Ambassador Iustinian to treat with the King The English Ambassador testified very much contentment to doe this Office affirming that it was to publish the glory of his King which he would doe not onely in Venice to all the Ministers of Princes but also that by his Letters he would diuulge the fame thereof thorowout the world He also praied them to signifie vnto him their particular Designes for that the King Himselfe and other Ministers of his Maiestie in all places would doe their vttermost in their behalfe and shew their affection and open heart He passed further and said that it was necessarie to put a speedy end to this affaire which could not be attained but by one of these three meanes either by yeelding or referring the matter to Princes or by Warre That he saw well the Republique had no minde to the first and if they resolued to make a reference to any they could not make choise of any fitter then his King who maruellously well vnderstood how much it imported to maintaine the Authoritie giuen by God to Princes But if the matter should come to Armes he praied his Serenitie to consider that though Philosophers say the Sunne warmes these inferiour bodies without heat in it selfe yet in humane things it is not so but he that would heat others in his fauour must first be hot himselfe Moreouer the Senate determined to signifie vnto all Princes the Declaration of the King of England But the King vpon the Representation of the Ambassador Iustinian answered That he called God to witnesse his resolution to defend the Cause of the Republique had no other end but the Seruice of God and to conserue the Liberty giuen by God to all Princes and not for any euill will which he carried to the Pope being not moued by the particular Interest of the Republique but only so farre as he knew they defended a Cause most iust and acceptable to God which the more he considered in his minde so much the more was he confirmed in their Protection and Defence not finding any apparant shadow
of Reason to relinquish them that He had readily taken this resolution and would sustaine it constantly that He would not doe as the Spaniards who by a Letter had filled the Popes Spirit with Vanity to cary Him into a precipice but that He would execute with courage and sinceritie what He had promised He considered also as a thing of great importance that the Pope prepared himselfe for the Warre and had to this effect erected a Congregation of men Disaffected to the Republique and Dependents of Spaine To which He added that he would be as ready to performe his Promise as to publish his Declaration and if it might turne to the good of the Republique He would doe it with all possible Aduantage doing also good Offices in their behalfe with all Princes his Friends and Allies as with the King of Denmarke and the Princes of Germany from whom he hoped to draw some Succour For the King of Spaine and the Arch-Duke he said it was to no purpose to speak vnto them seeing that the Former had declared himselfe for the Pope and the Latter depended vpon the former that for France it was not necessary because Spaine being for the Pope it behoued that King more than others to consider it and to foresee the enterprises which might ensue against his Kingdome so as formerly he had experience that if he beleeued the Defence of the Church to appertaine vnto him by reason of his Title of Most Christian he might well know that the Church herein was not endangered but the Cause in common touched the Libertie of Princes by whom the Church was to be Protected and Maintained For conclusion He said that Hee would doe more by effects than in words And accordingly he executed all that he had promised Signifying by the Earle of Salisbury vnto the Ministers of Princes which were with him the resolution which he had taken to Assist the Republique and writing also as much vnto the Princes of Germany and other his Friends Whilest these things were thus treated with Kings and by them with the Pope the great Duke of Tuscany iudged that it would be an action worthy of his great Experience if he assayed to finish that which was so difficult to two so great Kings Wherefore euery weeke almost he spake thereof to Robert Lio Resident with him and caused his Resident Montagu in like manner to speake at Venice exhorting them to Peace and Concord for the good of Italy and offering himselfe to become the Mediator To which they alwaies answered with thankes and with this conclusion that he should addresse himselfe rather to the Pope since the Republique had so farre condescended that the King of France had thanked them But the great Duke was not content with this Answer which gaue no occasion for him to draw the affaire to himselfe and therefore he complained with great dexteritie that he had profitably imployed himselfe both with the Pope and with the Republique without any correspondence on their behalfe on the contrary that on both sides he had receiued such words which if hee had reported they had beene sufficient to trouble all the affaire and to cut off hope of a Conclusion That his meaning was not to giue counsell vnto the Senate knowing well their prudence much lesse to enterprise to Treat with the preiudice of other greater Princes but to ioyne with them for the Seruice of God and of Christendome That he would therefore aduertise the Republique of all that the Pope had said in the last Audience to his Ambassador which was that his Holinesse could not nor would consent vnto the Conditions proposed by the Ambassador of France in as much as it should be to him a great preiudice to receiue the Republique to fauour by the hands of any King being himselfe the Spirituall Head of the Church to whom it is not sitting to receiue his Subiects at the hand of another and so much the more because generally in any difficult betweene the Ecclesiastical Court and the Secular the Iudgement thereof pertaineth to the Ecclesiasticall as to the more worthy That the Pope further said that to receiue the Prisoners by the hands of the King was to goe backward because some Venetian Prelats which were then at Rome had assured him that the Republique would willingly deliuer them to himselfe That therfore he was resolued not to Suspend the Excommunication before the Prisoners were deliuered and the Writings reuoked which had beene published in fauour of the Republique that afterwards hee would be content the Differences remaining might be examined at Rome by a Congregation of Cardinalls Auditors and Diuines whereof a part might be the Confidents of the Republique vpon Condition notwithstanding that the King of France and the great Duke would passe their word that they would stand to that which was determined by this Congregation that although he had formerly condescended to an Accord by a reciprocall Suspension of his Monitory and of the Lawes of the Republique yet he could not execute this Accord because it was not approued by the Cardinalls That the Most Christian King had signified vnto him that the Venetians ought to accept this Condition but for himselfe he was not obliged That if the Venetians had the aid of Heretiques he would haue on his part more Christians than men beleeued That the great Duke signified these particularities to the Republique to let them see that there could be no worse resolution than that which enclined them to Warre against the Pope which must needs be to their damage for as much as whosoeuer contends in that kinde with him may lose much but gaine nothing which it shall not be meet doubly to restore That Warre is profitable to none especially not to them who finde themselues in good estate seeing it produces alterations and easily men passe therein from better to worse with little hope of returning That if the King of France treated in this Businesse with great zeale for the good of the Republique himselfe would not be inferiour to him in a good desire to procure the same being their Friend an Italian Prince and a good man That they ought not to doubt but if the Warre proceeded the Pope would be assisted by the Spaniards and others and therefore to auoid the Troubles of Italy which might follow he would perswade the Pope to be contented that all Differences might be referred to the iudgement of the Two Kings and desired the Republique to doe the same yea that he would counsell them to doe this not expecting the Popes assent considering that since it was certaine the Pope would not consent to this motion because it was to submit himselfe to the iudgement of another the Republique hereby might gaine some aduantage by putting the Pope in diffidence with these Kings and by taking away the courage of the Spaniards for his assistance And although the Pope should consent yet the Republique might be assured that the Kings in the decision
with whom the Treatie is For touching the first it was certaine that the King his Master was well affected and had no other aimes but the common good That the greatnesse of the Republique was aduantageous to Him as being the Bulwarke of Christendome against the power of the Turkes And for his owne Person hee protested that he was not come to vse Deceit being noble by Birth and therefore obliged to speake Truth aboue all things Touching the second the point of Treaty was for Peace a thing excellent and for an Vnion with the See Apostolique a thing very profitable to the Republique all Histories being full of the mutuall good offices which they haue euer rendered the one to the other as on the contrary their Disunion must needs be very pernicious to the Repub. for if their cause were vniust it would incense all Princes against them and though it were reasonable yet was it not fit therefore to forget what Reuerence men owe to the Soueraigne Bishop Touching the third that the Treaty here was with a Senate of great Prudence Louers of Peace enemies of Nouelty who had beene alwaies Authors of Tranquillitie in Italie not of any Troubles He discoursed further of the damages of War and the mischiefes of Heresies saying that although the Republique by their owne strength and greatnesse could sustaine all sorts of violence and were able to withstand sufficiently all that should assault them neuerthelesse other succours although not expected or desired would vncalled offer themselues and such as might be suspected hand to dismisse and so much more hurtfull as Italy was in good estate whence might arise many corruptions which might put their Gouernment in great danger As these things were considerable so the King his Master accordingly had beene willing to aduertise them thereof for the affection which He and his Auncestors euer haue had to the Republique and for that all are commonly interessed in the Peace of Italie and he praied them to referre all matters to some Arbiters Himselfe and others That the King did thinke himselfe obliged by way of gratitude to interpose in this affaire as remembring that sometime the Republique had interposed to accommodate some Differences betweene the Emperour his Grand Father and the King his Father and the Pope That it was very necessarie for Princes to maintaine their reputation but yet they ought not to deale too rigorously with the Pope And Dâ—… Francis the better to expresse the Kings vehement affection in this businesse passed so far to say in manner of exclamation The King hath so great a desire to compose this Difference that of his two Daughters he would be content to sacrifice the one if by that Sacrifice all Dissentions might be appeased For conclusion he said That he saw very well there 〈◊〉 no other way to this end but that the Repub should in some sort satisfie the Pope and that if he could coniecture what would be acceptable to the Senate he would willingly propose it but being not able to doe it that he would expect from his Serenitie some temperament which he might carry vnto the Pope and he would labour with all his power that it might be accepted his purpose being not thereby to hinder any Treaties already in hand but rather to cooperate so far as hee could inasmuch as it was not the intention of his King to take the Treaty out of the hands of the King of France as desiring nought else but that an Accord might follow which would be as pleasing to him if Others could performe it as if he Himselfe To this the Senate answered praising first the great piety of the Catholique K. and his good will to Peace and thanking his Maiestie for his good Offices to pacific these contentions adioyning that they saw willingly and with much contentment his Ambassador principally for the Person of the King which he represented also for the good will which the Duke of Lerma had to the Republique and for the good correspondence and intelligence which the Count of Lemos his Father did alwaies hold with them Then they passed to particulars saying That they had vsed all kindes of humilitie and of respect towards the Pope and also done all good offices which might be desired to the end that he should noâ— fall into this precipice giuing him many occasions and meanes to see his danger and after he had thus precipitated yet they gaue care to althose that were willing to speake of an Agreement and had condescended to all which Dâ—â— Innigo de Card enas proposed On the other side the Ecclesiastiques had let themselues loose to Iniuries that they had published defamatorie Libels Detractions and railing speeches not onely in printed Bookes but in their Sermons made in the Cities neighbouring vpon the State Moreouer that they had vsed all meanes to corrupt the Religion and to sow sedition amongst the People briefly they had attempted all sort of wicked practises both openly and in secret And for the Pope they saw for the present to great inconstancy in his actions often recalling his owne words they saw also his preparations for Warre that they had occasion to feare that he would serue himselfe of time to gaine aduantage by the Treaty and to make others secure hauing indeed no desire of Agreement That for the time to come the Rep. would doe nothing but what was necessarie for their defence and to repulse iniuries by consequent that it was needlesse to perswade them to the Peace so much required but it was meet to addresse themselues to Him from whom the euill proceeded who still was the cause that it was not remedied Yet notwithstanding if besides that which had beene done by the Republique which was more than they ought to haue done He could aduise them what to doe more saue still their Liberty and without preiudice to their Gouernment they would not faile to shew their good will in execution of it as they had done to others Don Francis replied that he had nothing to answer for the Popes actions or of his intentions much lesse what they ought to be as being sent not by Him but by the King his Master from whom though he had order to procure with all his power an Agreement yet had he not Commission to descend to particulars And if he should resolue to write that he might receiue order to this effect it would be a thing too tedious and no way proportionable to the Affaire which required speedy resolution which with Time would grow worse and worse That he was a Stranger in the Businesse and therefore not to be remembred of what was past but when the Senate would declare their wil to him with confidence he would effectually propose it and cause it to be accepted To this the Duke immediatly answered that when the Senate should vnderstand what the Pope desired they could Treat and make declaration of their will but the way being shut vp by reason