Duke which is the highest degree of the Common-wealth there began some appearance of peace and quiet after so many troubles for the French who had been the beginners of the late Calamities were already driven out of Italy and had the Mountains given them for the bounders of their Empire and together with them it was thought that the sink of all other mischiefs was thrown out It was to be conceived by no improbable Arguments that Peace would be acceptable to all those who had any Dominion in Italy Caesar was not thought to be able of himself to make good the War having no hope of assistance from the French and invironed with many necessities wherefore it was likely that he would give way to some agreement nor were the Venetians averse unto it being now by the continual troubles of so many sore wars invited to rest The Pope who had wont to boast that he by Counsels had freed Italy from the slavery of the French it might with reason be thought that nothing could be more desired by him then this That since he had much inlarged the Churches Dominions and re-invested the Duke of Millan in his State the Affairs of Italy might begin to be in a better condition by injoying peace And it was very manifest that Ferdinand King of Spain was to desire peace more then the rest This wise Prince knew that it was by Peace that he was to confirm himself in his new possession of Naples and by his own industry or other mens negligence increase his Force and Reputation therefore under appearance of the Common good but indeed minding more his own advantage he had oftentimes sent Embassadours to Caesar and to the Venetians labouring to compound their differences But hardly did this light begin to appear out of cloudy by-gone-times when suddenly it vanished Some seeds of the former mischiefs remained yet in Italy for the strong astles of Genua Millan and Cremona held still for the King of France and many factious men began to desire Novelties and to the terror of all men news was spread abroad of new stirrings in France which as it was believed would suddenly break forth into open war Lodowick did greatly desire to recover the State of Millan and his ancient Reputation and he was much the more incited by the discord of the Colleague Princes hoping that he might easily divide them and get some of them to joyn with him when he should send his Army into Italy He therefore sometimes egg'd on Caesar to war against the Venetians and sometimes the Venetians against Caesar. He offered all his Forces to each of them he propounded great rewards of Victory he made himself appear to them to be in a condition of joyning with any one of them when the other should undervalue his Friendship Moreover to the end that a more firm and inviolable agreement might be made between them he promised Caesar to give him his Daughter Renea for wife to his Nephew Charls or else to his Nephew Ferdinand and to give with her for Portion the State of Millan when it should be regaind by their joynt Forces The Pope was hereat greatly troubled for he saw that great dangers were threatned to Italy by the power of the French which he did no less hate then fear but he was much in doubt which side he should favour If he should lean to Caesar he feared least the Venetians having no hopes of peace should have recourse to the friendship of the French and should endeavour to secure themselves by their Forces so as he should lose all that Glory which during all the time of his being Pope he had so much laboured after And on the contrary if he should lose Caesar by assisting the Venetians he thought he had not sufficiently provided for all dangers and being very jealous he perswaded himself it might easily happen that Caesar siding with the Council at Pisa which the King of France had long before set up against him and which was at this time removed to Lions his Glory and Dignity might be exposed to great danger But a fervent desire to get the City of Ferrara did most of all prevail with the Pope in making him alter his first resolution of assisting the Venetians Rejecting therefore at the last all things which might perswade him to the contrary he resolved to be govern'd by Caesars Interest and whereas formerly he had wont with great dexterity and humanity to exhort the Venetians to Peace he began now to threaten them severely if they did not accept thereof upon whatsoever severe condions as soon as it should be propounded Whereby he hoped to induce Caesar to give over the defence of Ferrara which losing his assistance must needs fall into his hands But the Venetians being certainly advertised by their Embassadour Francisco Foscari of these the Popes new inventions began to listen to the reasons which had been many times before urged by Andrea Gritti of joyning in League with the French This Andrea being taken Prisoner in Brescia and afterwards carried into France was for his wisdom good behaviour and affability very well esteemed of by all men and especially by the King and kept with great respect and honour so as he now convers'd and treated in the Court much liker an Embassadour of his Country than a Prisoner the Venetians thought it an unworthy thing and not to be endured that their prosperous Success in War against the French had brought them no advantage by reason of the great Injury that was done them by their Friends and Confederates who notwithstanding would have it believed that they had undertaken that War chiefly for the Venetians good and that their Common-wealth might flourish again By which appearances the Venetians being nourisht in hopes they were the cause why they willingly continued the War underwent much labour and danger not sparing for expences but as soon as the French had a way made them for the League Constanso Ferrario was suddenly sent to Venice to negotiate it not without the Kings consent and knowledg This man brought Letters with him to the Senate from Giovanni Giacopo Trinusio one who was then in great Authority with the King wherein he appeared to be very well inclined to the Common-wealth and then shewing the reason which had moved him to send this his Servant of purpose to them left the whole Authority of negotiating and concluding the business to him that it might be the more closely carried this business of Treaty touching the League with Ferrario was committed to Antonio Iustiniano one of the prime Senators and who was then in great esteem for his Wisedom These after divers meetings agreed that some things being altered which the condition of the times did require those capitulations should continue which were made some years before when the Venetians joyn'd in League with the French against the Sforza's Gritti was made acquainted with all this and was desired that he should by all means
earth they digg'd out very forwards there remained sufficient space between the ditch and the bank for the Souldiers to keep in making use of the earth that was thrown out as of a Parapet behind which they might with aim shoot at the walles These Ditches and these Rampiers were so many and so disposed of as the whole Army was safely lodged therein though very near the city being as it were buried between those Mountains of earth so as from the walls of the city nothing of the Enemies Camp could be seen but the tops of their Pavillions In the same plain the Turks made ten Forts standing at severall distances 50 foot broad in the front which were secured with rafters of Oak woven together so artificially and so strong as the middle being fill'd with earth with bundles cinders sacks of wool and such like things those Forts were made defensible against any thing that could prejudice them and if any of these works were at any time thrown downe by shot from the city the number of pioners was so great as they were speedily restored to their former condition so as for above halfe a miles space from the Arsenall to the Limison Gate the walls were plai'd upon by continuall shot These were the forces provisions and designs of the Enemy by which the defendants being made more industrious and vigilant prompted thereunto by their own gallantry and by the danger they were in the souldiers and citisens were not wanting in any thing that might make for the defence of the city Thus at first though they were not so many as might counterpoise the Assalliants forces they sallyed often out to skirmish with the Enemy and to disturb their works thereby to shew their generosity and to lessen the Enemies confidence They were very diligent in securing the Parapets in making in-works in making new Cavalliers and in mending the old ones and sparing neither for labour nor ingenuity there was not any hour wherein they were idle nor any day wherein they had not new inventions All the Artillery whereof some new ones were cast and so their number still increased were brought to that part of the wall where the battery was expected Luigi Martiningo as Captain-Generall of the Artillery had the particular care thereof who had six underneath him who commanded all the Cannonieres so as all things were very well ordered They prepared likewise many artificiall fires to be used in severall manners which being made by excellent Masters did very good service and that they might not fight at once against the Enemy and against their own inconveniencies they put all uselesse people out of the city to the number of above 8000 which not being any ways injured by the Turks went to their country houses and mustering the rest there were found to be 7000 men fit for action in the city 3500 Italian foot and the rest Grecians who behaved themselves with much valour and fidelity in these actions These were still incouraged to defend the city out of hopes of glory and ample rewards wherein as in all things else Marc Antonio Bragadino who was then Captain of Famagosta and chief Magistrate of the city was very diligent and won much praise and the danger increasing by the Enemies nearer approaches Bragadino sought to incourage the Souldiers Telling them the time was now come wherein they were to shew their true valour which he saw them for these many last months nobly prepared to do That no greater glory had hapned to any in this our age then what was novv prepared for them by preserving a Fort so far from all other parts of Christendom against the power of the Ottaman Empire nay by thereby keeping a flourishing Kingdom from being inslaved by Barbarians Wherefore said he are you most valiant Souldiers directing his speech to the Italians com from parts so far off exposing your selves to the certain inconveniencies and great dangers of long Navigation if not to give good proof of your worth and by your merits to purchase the prime honours of the Militia You have now met with that you so much desired you have a large field wherein to exercise your patience your industry and all military virtues This City being assaulted by powerfull enemies and the eyes of all the world being set upon the event of this siege Nor is my confidence lesse in you Citisens and in all the rest who have entred into this Militia who have given so good testimony not onely of fidelity and constancy but of true valour Having performed all military actions as well and readily now as ever did any ancient Souldiers Your generosity is such as will not suffer you to let any other advance you in the defence of your selves country wives children and estates every one of you will with a noble emulation seek to exceed other in pains-taking and in exposing your selves to danger Let not the number of the Enemy any whit affright you for certainly it is lesse then it is noysed to be or then their empty Pavillions cunningly make shew of the most and valliantest of them being wasted partly by sufferings and part of them being gone to their own homes to enjoy the wealth they got at the sacking of Nicossia the example whereof ought to make you more vigilant but not more fearfull For we are certain it was not the valour nor industry of the enemy which gave them the victory but the defendants negligence who thought as I believe that it was bare walls not bodies of men that went to the defence of a City The hopes we have of speedy relief may make even cowards valiant which notwithstanding none of you ought to consider that you may not thereby lessen your courage but rather place your hopes in your selves and believe that you carry your fortune in your right hands Thus ought all valiant men do whereunto you are perswaded by infinite examples where worth and fortitude of minde have overcome invincible difficulties But we have an other greater hope of safety and victory since we defend so just a cause against so wicked and perfidious enemies whom peradventure divine providence hath permitted to be prosperous hitherto that the fortune of war altering their fall may be the greater All humane and divine reason doth therefore perswade us to drive away all fear and to hope for good and happy successe from our own daring These words were accompanied with great acclamations and expressions of joy every one striving to shew confidence and encouraging others readily to undergo labour and danger and the commanders to encourage their souldiers not onely by words but by example having already excellently well ordered all the guards went themselves to lodge upon the walls at the foot of the rampier that they might be present at all actions and partake in labour and danger By this time half May was over and all things were ready prepared on all sides chiefly the souldiers mindes which were miraculously disposed as
Vicenzo Tuttavilla having the command of the souldiers With these and with the gallies of the Church which were 13 in number 11 of them belonging to the Duke of Florence and 2 to Michale Bonello brother to Cardinal Alessandrino did Commissary Soranzâ— return to Corfu the whole Fleet comming along in company to the Straits of Messina from whence Don Iohn past to Paâ—ermo and when they were parted Mark Antonio Colonna set up the Standard of the League supplying the place of Generall thereof â—â—is the Spaniards resolution being published every one firmly believed that the enterprise of the Levant would be no further proceeded in this year by all the forces of the League And the Spanish Embassadour at Rome did already say that the affairs in Flanders could not be setled time enough for the going of the Fleet into the Levant and that therefore the King would turn his forces into Africa that they might not be altogether idle and to case Cicily of them for a while This opinion was the rather believed by reason of many things that hapned and especially for that much provision was made upon the Spanish coasts for refreshing the Fleet and because it was known for certain that Muley Assam King of Tunis was willingly listned unto who then was with Don Iohn and affirmed that those people were very well disposed towards the Crown of Spain and were ready to rise and put themselves under his subjection if they should finde any forces to back their rebellion This the Fleets suspension afforded subject for severall discourses some said That the King in making this League had respect to his own peculiar interests since otherwise he could not have obtained from the now present Pope the confirmation of what was granted him by Pius Quartus of raising monies from the Ecclesiastick goods for which he was bound to keep 100 gallies to guard those seas and that moreover he was perswaded thereunto out of other weighty considerations For if the Venetians onely were to withstand the Turkish forces and should peradventure make any acquisition they would get so much reputation at sea as they might 〈◊〉 with him for power and on the other side if they should fare ill and should suffer in their Dominions the Turks power would be so much the more encreased and become infinitely formidable And then again if the Venetians should fail in their hopes of such assistance it might be believed they would easily give way to some agreement and so those forces which were prepared against them might be turned Westward upon the Kings Dominions That therefore having taken upon him the common cause upon these reasons and bound himself out of these respects to maintain it he could not with any justice turn those forces to his own private and which were before obliged to the common service of the League That the wâ—â—s of Flanders was not any thing of new whereby the King should put on such a resolution for that war was already begun when the League was stipulated Nor were there even then wanting suspitions of commotions in France for the Agreement being made being made between the King of France and the King of Navar and the Admirall there was reason to believe that the French who are naturally lovers of novelties and who were then long verst in Arms would not keep quiet but would betake themselves thither where they should finde best opportunity to make war Thâ—â— it was very clear that by the conventions of the League each Confederate might of right claim interest in the forces of the rest upon requiring observance of the Articles agreed upon That before the League it was in the Kings power to employ those assistances where and when be pleased but since he had freely of his own will bound himself to limited time and forces he could not regulate them according to his own occasions 〈◊〉 alter them without the Confederates consent Others affirmed the contrary that the Catholick King had abundantly discharged the duty of a Christian Prince and of a friend to the Common-wealth of Venice since unobliged thereunto he had readily assisted the first year of this war with all the sea-forces he was then master of the common service of Christendom to the particular advantage of Venice That it waâ— in his choice whether he would engage himself in this war or no not being thereunto enforc'd by necessity or at least that being unlimited either in point of time or forces he might have governed himself according to his own peculiar interests That notwithstanding he would engage himself with the League to make the Confederates confide the more in him and that they might have the better foundations for designing their enterprises which they were to make against the enemy That this had been the cause of very great good since the Colleagues forces being fastned together by this bond and to the same end had gotten so great and so famous a victory over the Turks That since the Kings interests were not like those of the Venetians it was to be highly valued that he would suffer the Fleet to run the same hasâ—â—ds That iâ— ought not to be wondered at if the King having had so great a shaâ—e in this victory should endeavour to reap some particular advantage thereby by sending his Fleet now that he had bereft the enemy of their power at sea and that he might safely do it to the enterprises of Barbary which were specified in the Articles of the League and which were so much desired by his poeple to bereave the Pirats of their receptacles from which the Spanish Seas could by no other meanes be secured That it was much more lawfull for him to make use of his own Forces for the defence of his peculiar affairs at a time when his Confederates the Venetians were in a great part free from being offended by the enemy What reason what wisdome was there that he should abandon his own Dominions to assault those of other men and to suffer the like or greater dangers increase at home that he might carry them to the Enemies That it was true the Wars of Flanders was no new thing but that the accidents were new which forc'd the King to think upon the preservation of those Countries wherein disorders were multiplyed and the Enemies Forces increased These and such like things were alleadged according to the variety of mens judgements and much more of their affections but to the end that the cause of a businesse of such importancy whereby the hopes of much good to Christendom were interrupted may be made known it will not be far from our purpose that we acquaint you a little more particularly with the present condition of affairs and with the occasions of jealousies which arose between the two most powerfull Kings of France and Spain in a very unseasonable time In the very beginning of this year the Town of Mons in Flanders vvas lost and not long after Count Nassaw
any Prince which was not done by his Council and Authority Wherefore it was that at the same time and by the same means he endeavoured contrary things The Count di Caretto who was gone a little before this time from Venice to the Vice-roys Camp his Secretary who stay'd at Venice to dispatch such things as should occur was present at the treaty of Peace which was negotiated by Santesio and did by Order from him interpose the Kings Authority therein But this business which had been so often in treaty had no better success now then it had at other times For the Venetian Senate being disposed alike in all Fortunes and not yielding any thing to the present calamities resolved not to accommodate their counsels to their Enemies desires but to do in what concern'd either Peace or War what they thought stood most with the Dignity of the Common-wealth There was one thing only which might seem to detract from their hopes and from their constancy of mind which was that certain News was given out that the King of Fraâ—ce with whom as it hath been said Ferdinando had made Truce for what concern'd Affairs on the other side the Mountains did also treat with him upon conditions of Peace which if it should succeed there was reason to doubt that Caesar would likewise joyn with them and that being all joyn'd together they might once more endeavour the prejudice of the Common-wealth And this was the more likely to be believed for that the King of France stood in need of such Friendships now that a heavy War was threatned him by the English The English Army which was very numerous was already past over the Sea to Callis in France and King Henry was ready to pass over himself to be present at this Enterprise Therefore upon this so weighty occasion the Senate thought fit to confirm King Lewis by all means possible in his former taken resolution and to exhort him by the mouth of their Embassadour Dandalo who was then Resident at that Court not to give the Affairs of Italy quite over That he would endeavour as soon as might be to renew the War before the Reputation which he had wonne was lessened and before his Claim to the Dukedom of Millan which did now begin to be of Force and Vigour should grow stale That the Forces of so great a King were not so much lessened for one Rout received at Novara as that he should suffer the Switzers a Mountainous Nation and which wanted all things to say they had driven a powerful Prince out of his Dominions and rob'd him of all the Praise and Profit of the Victory which he had almost already got That his Majesty of France would put on such Resolutions as became his greatness and assure himself that the Venetians would never be wanting in any thing to him That he might command their Forces Men and Money for whilst they had any Power nay whilst they should have Breath and Life they were ready to expose themselves to all hardship and danger for the Greatness of the Kingdom of France and in defence of the common cause To these things King Lewis answered That he very much thanked the Venetians for this their Civility he gave them very good words and hopes shewing a great desire to revenge himself of his Enemies for the Injuries which he had received that it was true his Forces were somewhat diminished but that his mind continued still the same and chiefly in prosecuting the War and continuing League and Friendship with them That it was the ancient Custom of the Kings of France not to be grievous but helpful to their Friends That therefore though he should little mind the Affairs of Italy for any Interest of his own he would not be unmindful of his Obligations to the Venetians wherefore he would be ready with all his might to help them to recover their ancient Dominions and to increase their Honour and Dignity But it was certainly held that the King of France could not minde the Affairs of Italy that year his Kingdom being infested in several parts for not only the Kâ—ng of England but Cesar and the Switzers had declared themselvs his enemies Yet the Venetians thought it must needs make for their Affairs to keep the Kings mind by these means still set on Glory and confirm'd with hopes of better successe and to keep him their Friend as much as they could And that they might begin to receive that advantage by this Negotiation at least which they could not as then expect from his Forces they exhorted the King that since he could not at present imploy his Forces nor his thoughts upon the Affairs of Italy he would the mean while endeavour to remove all those Impediments which might afterwards when he should have leisure to think thereon make his acquisition of the Dukedom of Millan more difficult That therefore he should endeavour to get help from all parts and that he should chiefly get the Pope to joyn with him in League and Friendship Which thing being desired very much by his Nobility and generally by all the people of France Lewis was perswaded to send the Bishop of Marcelles Embassadour to Rome to let the Pope know That he had annull'd the Counsel which he had formerly removed to Lyons and was ready to joyn with that of Latheran which was then celebrated in Rome and that following the Custom of his Ancestors he would alwayes highly honour the holy Name of Pope and would be ready to defend the Church of Rome to the utmost of his Power At the same time the Venetians sent ten Embassadours to the Pope all of them both for Age and Dignity the chief of the City that they might witness the singular Affection and Reverence which they bore unto him which having formerly endeavour'd to do they had appointed their Embassadour at Rome Francisco Foscari that as soon as the Counsel should be begun which the Pope had intimated to be held at St. Iohn of Latherans he should be present there in the name of the Common-wealth But afterwards they found the Popes mind to be otherwise disposed than they had thought for fearing now no more the French Forces after the Rout at Novara which was the reason why till then he had handled his business variously desembling his secret Intentions expecting the Issue of that War he began to discover himself and the Practices which he had held secretly before with the Common-wealths Enemies He reprehended the Venetians and blamed them for having call'd back the French into Italy to their own prejudice and the like of others and that they who ought moâ—e then all the rest to have laboured the quiet and liberty of Italy were the cause of raising new Commotions and of bringing her again under the Slavery of Barbarians Which that they might appear the more hainous faults he accused them of being minded if their Affairs had succeeded prosperously to turn their Forces against
by the Duke nor had in such consideration as he thought was due to his reputation and degree but were rather despised as comming from one of another profession and who as the Duke had wont to say ought not to meddle in matters which belonged to military men So as to give the Pope satisfaction the Senate ordered the Duke that for the future he should acquaint Guicchiardini with all businesses of importance which were treated of in the Camp All things appertaining to the Fleet were this mean while prepared for that some attempt might be thereby made upon Cesar's Territories The Venetians to this purpose chose Luigi Armero for their Commissary and sent him to Corfu where the other Commissary Iovan Moro was with the Fleet from which Armero was to take 12 Gallies and come along with them with all speed to the Sea Coasts near Rome to joyn with those of the Pope and of the King of France and then joyntly fall uppon such Enterprises as might be for the service of the League Divers things were propounded touching whether the Maritime Forces were to go The Pope desired that they might go into the rivers of Pugliae to break the designes of the Collonesi and to divert their Forces in those parts who having raised 7000 foot and a good number of horse in Naples began to be very formidable unto the Pope But the King of France and the Venetians thought it would be more advantagious for the League to have them go against Genua as well for the fitness of that city for other actions as for that if they should succeed well therein it would add much to the reputation of the League Pietro Navarro was declared Captain General of the Confederates Fleet a man of long experience in war who though he were propounded by the King of France yet he received stipend from the other Confederates but the Gallies belonging to the Church and those of the Commonwealth being already in a readiness those of France were slow in comming with the Captain General which gave them just occasion of dislâ—ke and of no slight suspicion that the King of France his ends aimed onely at his own advantage dispising the interests of the League of which his mind there appeared other signes for but little of 40000 Duckets which he was bound to send into Switzerland for the levying of 10000 Switzers was as yet sent thether whereby the League lost no little reputation And though the Venetians had sent Secretary Sabbadino thether to solicite the raising of those Foot yet could he not much encourage them nor hasten their departure nor was there any news heard of any preparation made by the King to make war upon Cesar on the other side of the Mountains as by his Articles he was bound to do But the King besides some excuses which he made finding how ill the Colleagues were satisfied by their pressing sollicitations or else being conscious of his own faultiness and fearing that therefore the Pope and the Venetians laying aside his interests as he seemed to have little valued theirs might treat of peace with the Emperour apart by themselves sent Monsieur di Sange into Italy to excuse his tardiness with directions that he should first pass thorough Switzerland to sollicite the departure of those of that Nation or at least to make it be beliâ—ved that he had done what he could therein He therefore coming first to Venice and then to Rome used the same endeavours in both places laying the fault of the slowness of the French mens passage into Italy upon the Commanders and other officers and affirming the Kings very great desire to prosecute the war and that he would not onely make good his Articles but exceed them by increasing his Forces for besides the forenamed Fleet he was rigging up many tall Ships in Britannie that he might come forth the stronger and suppress all the Forces that the enemy could make by Sea and that he was no less carefull of levying the Switzers and that by his procurement the general Dyets were summoned wherein all things should be resolved in favour to the League But he chiefly assured them that the King would not treat of any agreement save such as should tend to a generall peace and so as the other Colleagues should be content with The King did likewise attest this his resolution to Iovan Battista Sanga who being sent as aforesaid by the Pope to the King of England stayed some dayes in the Court of France for same business The Venetian Senate taking these assurances very thankfully and seeming fully to believe them answered That they never doubted the King's good intentions towards the Leâ—gue and particularly towards their Commonwealth as knowing both his wisdom and his ancient affection to the Venetians they therefore promised That not only in thâ—â— cause wherein their common interests were concerned but in all other things and at all other times their Will and Forces should be inseparably joyn'd to his And as for any Treaty of Peace they never were averse from it nor had they taken up Arms to any other end but that they might come to a safe peace Therefore as far as it might stand with the Dignity of the League and the Confederates safety they should be very glad of it Yet knowing that such a peace was rather to be desired then hoped for at this time the Pope and the Venetians endeavouring to incite the King's mind the more to War resolved to let him know that if they should get the Kingdom of Naples his Son should be King thereof the Commonwealth retaining such a part thereof as should be answerable to their deserts labour and expence To correspond whereunto the King made a new offer of other three hundred Lanciers and twenty thousand Ducats more monethly for the service of the League if the enterprize of Naples should be undertaken The Commissary Armero was come from Corfu to Terracina with thirteen Galâ—es where meeting with Andrea Doria who was come thither with eight Gallies for the Pope's service they went in company together to Cevita Vecchia and from thence to Ligorn where they met with Pietro Navarro with sixteen of the King of France his Gallies and being resolved to reduce Genua to the King of France his devotion to the great advantage of the Colleagues they made Frederick Fregose who was Archbishop of Salerno head of that Government and came with their Fleet first to Porto Venera which Town together with that of Spetia and with all that part of the River till you come to Monaco yeilded soon to the Colleagues Then dividing the Fleet Dâ—ria and the Veneâ—ian Commissary went to Porto Fino twenty miles from Genua and Navarro with the French Gallies to Savona which City willingly yeilded unto him The first and chief designe of the Leagues Commanders was to keep Genua from being victualled by Sea and the City being but badly provided of victuals and not knâ—wing well how to come by
That Soliman 's anger would not be a little encreased by the refusing his offers who held himself scandalized by what the Fleet had done and as was said by the Grandees of that Court by the small account that was made of his person no Embassadour being sent to him when he came so near the States dominions as was usually done upon like occasions to other Princes Moreover this silence would make the Turks more diligent in making the greater preparation for war since they must needs finde we had no minde to have peace In fine that to advance so far in the treaty of League without proposing any thing of peace had no other aspect but of enforcing the Senate to embrace the resolution of continuing in war which if well weighed was of all things most to be abhorred But these things were thus answered by those who thought it the safer safer way to treat of League then of Peace That they were not alienated from the thought of peace but did endeavour to provide so for the emergencies of the present times as they might be able to sustain war That therefore they did not without just cause forbear writing at the present to Constantinople lest they might make the Christian Princes jealous whereby they might slacken their providing for war That there remained many things yet to be considered before the League could be concluded wherein time might be protracted and when things should be drawn nearer to a head they might have better occasion to know the Turks mindes and so bear both the League and Peace in hand at once and pitch upon what might be thought best for the Common-wealth That too much haste could onely discover their weaknesse the more unto the Turks and make them more insolent in their Articles of Agreement the which the more they should seem to desire it would be had upon the harder tearms That no matter of expence was to be had in consideration since howsoever they were to arm themselves and to treat of peace with their weapons in their hands not to prejudice the conditions of peace and not to commit themselves too rashly to the discretion and faith of their perfidious enemies These reasons were alleadged for the League and the businesse at Constantinople was deferr'd But at last many being desirous that somewhat should be written and that the businesse should not be totally given over it was proposed unto the Senate That the Consul might tell the Bashaw Aiace That the Common-wealth had great reason to complain of Soliman who unprovoked by any publick injury had broke the peace and sent his men in hostile manner to Corfu without expecting Orsino's return sent by his consent nay by his order to Venice and with promise not to attempt any novelty till by his return it might be known what the truth of those passages was which the Turks took ill and who was really in the fault That it had alwaies been the stedfast intention of the Senate to preserve peace and amity with that Empire and that upon occasion of so many wars made by Soliman they had never disturbed his enterprises but had alwaies kept their word inviolably and kept constant to their neutrality That at this very time Generall Pesaro dreamt of nothing lesse then of impeding his Captains designes no not of giving them any suspition but that he was come into the Gulph to joyne with the other sea-Captains and shun such accidents but that being driven by the winds he was forc'd to passe into the Rivers of Puglia where the Turkish Fleet lay That they did believe Soliman stood well affected to the Common-wealth as he was affirmed to do and well inclined to peace since being a just and a wise Prince he knew it became him to preserve friendship with the Venetians who had given him no occasion to the contrary Nor was it fitting that good intelligence between Princes should be broken by the inconsiderate actions of any particular Officers That therefore they were confident he would restore the goods of private Merchants which were detained who upon the faith of so great a Prince were perswaded to trade in his Dominions Their intention hereby was that the Consul seeking by such discourse as this to fift somewhat more particularly into the Turks thoughts should begin if he should find any good hopes to commence the Treaty of peace This proposall being made in the Senate three daies were spent about it which being over there wanted two votes to make the businesse be resolved upon so as there was nothing decided in the point though it had been long disputed by personages of great dignity and authority The promises of these Princes had made so great an impression in the minds of all men as confiding very much therein and being therefore desirous to shun any the least suspition that the League was not really intended by them they would listen to nothing which might perswade to the contrary Don Lopes the Cesarian Embassadour hearing of this irresolution he hoped that the Common-wealth might be brought to a nearer conjunction with Cesar He therefore renued the motion of uniting the Fleets which had formerly been made by him and Doria He appeared in the Colledge and laboured much to perswade that for the common service no longer delay should be made in giving order to our Generalls to go to Messina and joyne with Doria's Gallies who he said had sufficient commission from the Emperour in that point and that he should not be wanting in any thing which concerned the good and safety of Christendom and in particular that of the Common-wealth He shewed That the Emperour stood very well affected to the common good and that his forces should be answerable to this his affection for besides the Fleet now in being other ships of all sorts were arming in the Spanish Havens and great provisions of men and monies were raising throughout all his dominions That the Emperour Charles desired to justifie himself alwaies before both God and man that he had discharged his part gallantly not having spared either expence or labour to quell the pride of the enemies of Christendom That he had therefore at all times solicited other Princes whose interest was concern'd in this common cause to know the dangers which grew daily greater tending to the ruine of Christianity which he by reason of his greatnesse might live freer from then any other but that he did more value the common good then his own particular concernment That there needed no new examples to shew that the weaknesse of Christian Princes and the exaltation of their enemies proceeded from their own luke warmnesse That the last unfortunate successe of Rhodes might be considered which being assaulted by this very Soliman and not succoured by any Christian Prince fell miserably into the power of the Turks to the so much losse prejudice and shame of all Christendom But that there was some excuse for those successes then since those Princes
get first into the Gulph and escape danger which notwithstanding became the greater by their disorderly flight for their Gallies having their poops turned towards ours were exposed to the shot which was made against them not being able either to defend themselves nor to be assisted by their Gallies which remained in the Gulph keeping the mouth thereof shut as they entred in Which when Doria saw who was in the Bataglia he likewise advanc'd so far on the other side as it was thought he meant to block up the mouth of the Haven and to hinder the enemy from entring so as being assaulted both on the Flanck and on the Poop they must needs be beaten yet soon after when he was come nearer up unto them he by unexpected and uncommunicated counsell sent orders to the Fleet that all the Gallies under pain of severe punishment should forthwith retreat and being quickly assembled he made them go to Cape Ducato in the Island of Santa Maura to the great wonder and dislike of all the whole Fleet complaining and speaking freely against Doria that they had lost a great opportunity of suppressing a good part of the Enemies Fleet without any losse at all unto themselves The Generalls fell then to treat again concerning what was to be done wherein they were the more doubtful because they were altogether ignorant of the Enemies intention who might be said to have shewed both courage and fear at the same time as desiring and shunning battel Some were of opinion that a squadron of Gallies should be sent to batter the Castle of Lepanto saying that Barbarossa would not send any of his Gallies out of the Gulph again without urgent occasion and that if the Enemy should come forth into open Sea it would be in their power to fight upon any whatsoever advantage Others were for returning presently to Pevesa for if the Turkish Fleet would not stirre from their station they might attempt the taking of the Castle and if it should advance they should give opportunity of being fought with upon disadvantage for they might be assaulted before they could put themselves in order This advice was commended as that which brought with it more reputation to our Fleet and more certainty of suppressing the enemy The confederates Fleet went then on the 28 of Sept. from the Island of St. Maura in the same order as formerly and made towards the Enemy but the winde which was favourable unto them at their first putting forth failing them as they sayled they were forced with great inconveniency and slowness to make their ships be towed to keep them from being separated from their Gallies whereby the Turks had time and opportunity afforded them not onely of comming out of the Gulph but of being able contrary to opinion to order their squadrons at Sea as they listed So as before the League 's Fleet could come near the gulphs mouth they discovered that the Enemies Fleet being come forth in good order came with a prosperous wind towards them Then said Doria VVe have â—nkenneld our Enemy as it was our intention to do we may now fight if we please but the businesse must be well considered it is of great importance and repentance will come too late VVe must think that by joyning battel now we do not onely hazard this Fleet to the fortune of a few hours but also the reputation of the Confederate Princes nay I may say the welfare of Christendom For if these forces shall be lost what means is there to raise another Fleet to oppose the Enemy and stop the course of their Victory VVhat hopes is there to defend the Maritime parts without forces at Sea or to keep them from falling irrecoverably into the Turks hands and then turning to the Venetian Generall be added That it was he who was most to weigh these respects since it was his Common-wealth which upon any sinister accident would run most hazard To which Capello answered That he had commission from the Senate to fight the Enemies Fleet when he should meet with an opportunity that upon such an occasion he could not but obey these orders that he did humbly thank God for it and that he was very confident that the goodnesse of their cause and their generous resolution would be accompanied with happy successe to the great good service of Christendom and to their own particular praise He therefore desired that the most dangerous place in the battel might be allotted to him and he would willingly accept it The Patriark Grimani shew'd the same ready desire to come presently to the Conflict and though he had first advised to go to Lepanto yet seeing the Enemy was come forth he was as forward for fighting as any of the rest When Doria saw that all were for fighting So be it then said he and good be our speed He presently caused the standard to be set up giving requisite orders for it and said he would be the first who should assault the Enemy with his squadron All were over-joy'd at this resolution of giving battel so great hopes had the terrible aspect of the confederates Fleet begot in them together with the advertisement they had of the Turks weaknesse which made them believe they would not accept of battel but that having made this shew for their reputation they would fall back again into the Gulph Every one with joyfull countenance made themselves and their arms ready and diligently discharged the severall duties which were deputed unto them The Captains were not wanting in exhorting and in incouraging the rest to fight manfully They laid before them â—he weightinesse and the easinesse of the Victory the rich booty which they should have the military honour the immortall glory which was prepared for them in all ages and after these assured present rewards the hopes of greater things in the future That the Enemy was sufficiently inferiour to them for number of ships but much more in their goodnesse Aâ—ms and in their souldierâ— valour so as the greatest difficulty of Victory seemed to lie in beginning the conflict which the Turks would not be able to resist but that as their greatest hopes of safety lay in being able to get safe into their friends country so would it make them the more remiss in fighting and would be the cause that their gallies and goods would be the assalliants secure prey They wisht them not to fear no not though they should have reason to do so â—ince fear adds not to security but weakning mens forces and bereaving them of counsell makes their danger the greater That they needed nothing but courage and speed so to cut off the way by Sea from the Enemy as they might not by â—â—ight bereave them of the almost assured victory Doria would lead the way with his Gallies keeping on the right hand of the Sea he assigned the Battle to Capello appointed Gremani to keep in the reere to the end that he might be able with his squadron
to the neighbouring shores that the Triesteene Vessels which were but weakly furnisht might be resisted and be made to suspect that force should be used against them Whilst these things were in Treaty Iovan Francisco de Pazzi a Florentine came to Venice to deliver up the Fort of Marano in the name of Pietro Stozzi to the Common-wealth receiving a reasonable reward and to tell them if they should not listen to this offer of his he should be forc't to treat with some other great Prince who he knew would willingly accept of it And it was generally said every where that Strozzi being resolved not any ways to deliver up that Fort to Ferdinando and intending to make what advantage he could of it might easily close with the Turks The King of France had left Marano in the free power of Strozzi in reward of the service he had done that Crown and as others more expresly said in account for great debts which he pretended unto and that he therefore affirmed Strozzi might doe with the Town what he listed Yet it was thought that nothing was done without the knowledge and particular consent of the King of France whose Embassador then resident at Venice as soon as the Agreement was made did much commend the Senates resolution and did thank them for it in his Kings name The Venetians were much troubled at the businesse for the receiving or refusing of the offer was a trouble unto them in divers respects They desired to shun doing of any thing that might displease Ferdinando and much more to occasion any jealousies that they had had any hand in Strozzi's Counsells but to permit that a place so near the Towns of Venice standing as it were upon her own shore should fall into the hands of the Turks was too hard and prejudiciall a businesse and which might prove injurious not onely to the Common-wealth but to all Christendom Being therefore reduced to this necessity they resolved to listen to Pazzi's proposall and two Senators Antonio Capello and Francesco Contarini were appointed to treat with him upon the particulars After many meetings the businesse was conculded thus That upon the delivery up of Marano to the Common-wealth Strozzi was to receive 35000 Duckets Thus Alexander Bondemiere was chosen Commissary of the Town who accompanied by Pazzi and a few foot was received in and had the Town delivered into his hands by Strozzi and with the peoples applause Some of the chiefe of them swore allegiance to the Common-wealth they afterward acquainted the Emperour and Ferdinando with all that was done alleadging just reasons for this their necessary resolution That their actions for two years last past might sufficiently witnesse their sincerity during all which time they would not onely listen to these practises which had been proffer'd them severall times before but had readily given passage victuals and all other commodities to Ferdinando's men for the recovery of Marano that they had considered that Town was of no moment to Ferdinando's affairs neither for State Confines nor advantage that he got thereby but that it would have been very dangerous for his other Territories if it should have fallen into the Turks hands as it was apparent it would have done if they had continued to have dispised Strozzi's offer these reasons being handsomely represented to these Princes by Bernando Navagiero and Marino de Cavalli the one being sent Embassador to Caesar the other to the King of the Romanes did appease them who were at first much incenst at this accident But the condition of the Times did chiefly make them capable of these reasons for a Dyet being intimated to be held in Spire in the beginning of the year 1544. wherein the chief Lords of Germany were to intervene to treat of important affairs of making War with the French and of withstanding that which the Turks made with them the Emperour and the King of the Romanes were wholly bent upon these Negotiations and preparations And as they did much desire this so they hoped that the Common-wealth moved by the Authority of so many German Princes and Cities would suffer it selfe to be drawn into some confederacy when they should see that they had imbraced the enterprise against the Turks But the Emperour in particular was not free from suspitions that the Venetians so often attempted by the King of France should upon the taking of any distaste at his hands part from his confederacy and joyn with the King of France which troubled him the more at this time for that having made peace with the King of England and the Swissers he hoped he might prosper better in his attempts against France then he had done the last year wherein the good he had got was not answerable to his preparations for War For the French having lately relieved Landresi were returned with all their Forces safe into France and the imperial Army dispairing to get the Town gave over the enterprise Wherefore Cesar intending to fall upon France with more forces at the same time that it should be assaulted by the King of England was very desirous of the peace of Italy that his Forces might not be divided by being imployed elsewhere But on the contrary the King of France knowing all this placed much of his hopes in being able to defend and secure his own affairs by troubling the peace of Italy by assaulting Napolls and Millan so as Cesar should be necessitated to turn his Forces to defend those States which he so highly valued therefore considering the advantage he might make thereby either forgetting other respects so often considered by reason of his ardent desire or for that he hoped to bring him the more easily to some Agreement or that he believed time and accidents might make the Venetians alter their determinations he resolved to invite them once more by many offers to joyn in League with him against Cesar and to the end that the Authority of the person imploy'd might purchase more beliefe and honour to the businesse he sent the Cardinall of Ferrara to Venice who was received there very honourably and publick Complements being past he was brought according to his desire to private Audience in the Colledge where he spoke thus The occasion of this my coming hither and the proposal that I am to make as it may peradventure be cause of wonder to others so ought it to cause content and no small consolation to you wise Senators since that coming from a great King to make new intreaties and new confederacy with this Common-wealth after the having so often indeavoured your friendship may be a manifest sign of Francis King of France his good will towards you and your affairs and of the great esteem he hath of this Common-wealth and of her Forces it will sute with the wisdome which is attributed to you Gentlemen and with the praise which is particularly given to your Senate to know how to make good use of this Prince his well wishes
store of Gallies There were eleven Governours chosen of the greater Gallies and Francesco Duodo was made their Captain one highly esteemed for his valour and knowledge in Sea Discipine and eighty were chosen to be Governours of the lesser Gallies who were all of them chief Gentlemen of the City and such as were best experienced in Sea affairs Pietro Trono was made Captain of the Frigats and they resolved to arm a Gallioune very artificially built before by Vittore Fausto a learned man and who had a particular excellency in composing Sea-Engines Girolimo Contarino was made Captain thereof but Girolomo Zane Procurator of St. Mark was to have the supream Authority over the whole Fleet He was held to be very fortunate both in his own private condition and in the publick imployments who had alwaies govern'd himselfe therein with much integrity and wisdome These things being thus ordered they apply'd themselves diligently to see them performed and all provisions were so easily and readily had as exceeded expectation Concerning the using of these Forces some propounded that forty Gallies should speedily be sent towards the Levant who keeping in Candia should be ready to make use of such occasions as time and the Enemies proceeding should offer They considered that to shew this courage at the first would adde comfort to the subjects and reputation to their affairs and on the other side would infuse doubts and confusion into the Enemy and retard their expedition For it was likely they would not venture to come forth of the Strait of Galipoli without their intire strength when they knew they should meet with such resistance The which was known would be of so much the greater help for that they understood afterwards that the Turks feared this more then any thing else and that therefore they had been extraordinarily diligent in sending out 25 Gallies that they might carry the Ammunition which was prepared for the enterprise of Cyprus early from Allessandria which if they should be intercepted by our Gallies they knew their whole design would be lost To this it was objected that it might prove to be of greater danger then security for that the Turks did alwaies keep so many Gallies ready for the usuall guard of some of their places as that many Pirats Vessels being added thereunto as was usually done in time of War they might trouble our Gallies and perchance endanger them which they thought was the rather to be shun'd for that they had great hopes to do some remarkable action by using all their forces joyntly together Therefore laying all other thoughts aside for the present they seemed all of them to be chiefly troubled how to put sufficient Garrisons into the Forts of Cyprus Some were for the furnishing them so with men as if they were never to be relieved and for providing to relieve them so as if they had never been Garrisonized But as the one was variously incommodiated by the shortnesse of time by want of vessells and by fear that the enemy would be out very strong and very betimes so they thought they could not repose any certain hopes in the other by reason of the enemies powerfull forces and out of the various events of war and of actions at Sea This mean while whilst they were treating whom they should send to bear chief sway in Cyprus together with succour Eugenio Singlitico Count di Rocas a noble Cyprian who at this time discharged the office of Lieutenant Generall of the Militia by Terra Ferma and was for the most part resident at Venice readily offered himself to relieve his Country at this her so great need and to serve his Prince And being speedily dispatcht went his way in a ship with a 1000 Foot and was by the Senate made chief Commander of all the Cavalry of that Kingdom Girollimo Martiningo conductor of the Gens d' Armes readily and generously offered himself to raise 2000 Foot within a few daies in the States of other Princes and to go with them himself to the relife of Famagosta and to stay there to defend that City Thus having in a very short space much to his praise put all his men in order and brought them to Venice to embarque both them and himself in ships destined to that purpose he would shew himself with all his souldiers to the City appearing in a military habit in the Piazza of St. Mark a thing well worth the seeing for the sight of so proper men adorned with bright Arms and variety of other noble ornaments did much delight the unskilfull multitude who being pleased with the novelty of the spectacle considered not what the progresse and end of war might prove For these so many and so valiant men did all perish in a short time some by suffering some by the sword of the enemy and Martiningo's self falling grievously sick through the inconveniencies of Navigation dyed before he could arrive at Cyprus being herein the lâ—sse fortunate that he did not die in Battle and crown his glory with a more noble death He was much praised for his loyalty and for the service he shewed to his Prince The Senate when they were certain of these the Turks designes and preparations made an account be given thereof by their Legier Embassadors to almost all the Princes of Christendom wherein the Venetians were the more solicitous being moved thereunto not so much out of hope of getting them to joyne in their defence as that they might not seem to scorn the help of others and that confiding too presumptuously on their own strength the event of that War wherein the common cause of Christendom was concern'd might be the more endangered They therefore acquainted them with the weight of what War the Common-wealth was to sustain and with the dangers wherewith at the present they were threatned but wherein all Christendom would in time be concerned So as some Senators were not listned unto who advised to do what they were able speedily and of themselves lest by relying upon the uncertain hopes of others they might either slacken their own provisions or being allured by the no-certain promises of Princes quite give over all thought of any treaty of peace Pope Pius Quintus sat then in St. Peters Chair who being but of a mean extract and exalted to that Supream dignity out of the fame of his integrity made good the opinion of his worth and his so great authority Wherfore the Venetians addrest themselves to him as to the chief head of Christendom and as to a person of singular goodnesse intreating his assistance and that he would perswade other Christian Princes to embrace the common cause Michielle Suriano was at this time Embassadour for the Common-wealth at Rome whose experience in State-affairs was the more set off by his learning He adding to the Pope's already good inclination many weighty perswasions did continually excite him to take to heart the Common-wealth's cause in this time of so great danger He
Turkish Fleet and by hindring the Turks further progresse they were very reserved in falling upon any other undertakings lest if they should prove prosperous the Venetians power and reputation might grow too immoderate whereby the Spanish Fleet might meet with another weighty counterpoise and greater then peradventure might be thought convenient for the safety of the territories which the King of Spain was Master of in Italy Nor wanted there those that said the Grandees of Spain did envy Iohn's glory and that therefore they had held forth his too great Grandezza to the King of Spain as a thing that might cause trouble and danger to his Dominions But what the true cause of these proceedings was is unknown for the Spaniards were so close in concealing their counsells as without appearing alienated from having the Fleets meet or from the enterprises of the Levant for fear of the French or out of any other respect they still affirmed the contrary giving daily hopes that they would go to Corfu which they were very crafty in doing for they knew very well that if the Venetians should have any the least suspition of being abandoned by the Colleagues they would be forced to come to some agreement with the Turks which for some other respects would be inconvenient for the Spaniards for then they must of themselves alone withstand the forces of so great a Potentate against whom they had alwaies profest enmity Thus and for these reasons did not the Spaniards discover their intrinsicall thoughts but finding sometimes one cause of delay sometimes another spun on time without doing any thing At this time did Pope Pius Quintus die which caused a generall grief being taken away very unseasonably when Christendom was was in so great need for he being a sanctified man and very zealous of the common good and consequently of great authority and reverence with all Christian Princes was held by all to be an excellent means of keeping up the League and of encreasing the power and reputation thereof giving also great hopes of making way for some notable acquisition by the Christians and for the suppressing of the barbarous Infidells As soon as his death was heard of the Venetian Senate wrote suddenly to the Colledge of Cardinalls praying them that they would not suffer the affairs of the League to slacken wherein the late Pope had been so zealous since any the least protraction might prove very prejudiciall and might hinder the happy proceedings against the enemy They were all of them very well minded to pursue the war and that they might proceed the more resolutely the employment was presently confirmed to those very Cardinalls who were formerly deputed by Pius Quintus to negotiate the affairs belonging to the League who were very diligent in ordering all things necessary But the interâ—all of Popedom was but very short for the Consistory of Cardinalls meeting they the very first day chose Hugo Buoncompagno Cardinall of San â—esto Pope who took upon him the name of Gregory the 13th a Bulligonesse by Nation a Doctor of Law who had lived long in the Court of Rome and was held to be a just man but of a soure and austere nature well minded but meanly witted and not much experienced in managing of State-affairs This election was much favoured by the Spaniards and particularly by Cardinall â—ranville were it either that Hugo whilst he was Legaâ— in Spain had won the Kings favour by his integrity or else as some others said because he was known then to be so moderate a man as that it was thought when he should be Pope he would prove such a Prince as in many respects would make for the advantage of the Catholick King particularly for the safety and preservation of his territories in Italy Pope Pius Quintus his death brought great disturbances to the uniting of the Fleets though Gregory as soon as he was crowned confirmed the League in the same manner as his Predecessor had done For Don Ioâ—n who sought to protract time began more to scruple his departure considering that he could not of himself resolve to move with his Fleet any where unlesse he should receive new orders from Spain which he notwithstanding giving hopes should be suddainly had according to the common desire was the reason why the Venetian forces did as yet nothing and continuing still the same course he according as he thought time required his answer did continually inâ—imate his suddain departure affirming it so particularly as that he writ to Generall Foscherini he stayed onely from comming to Corfu in expectation of the Duke of Sessa who if he should not come all the sooner he would assuredly come away without him Nay he blamed Colonna's counsell who expecting some few gallies from Florence did so long delay his comming to joyne with them The Senate had commanded Generall Foscherini to wait for the comming of the Spanish gallies and not to attempt any thing nor to employ those his forces in any enterprise whereby the common concernment and further progresse might be retarded But the Venetians being desirous that their Forces might be somewhere felt by the Enemy resolved to attempt Castel Nuovo Sâ—iâ—rra Martiningo being the chiefe adviser thereunto who having been the preceding year at Catarro and having had opportunity to inform himselfe well propounded it as a thing easie to be done This man was born in Bressia of a noble Family though illegitimaâ—ely and being banisht upon occasion of private enmities had been long in the French Wars where he had won much repute for military valour And upon occasion of this War he had noâ— onely obtained a safe conduct but was made as it is said Generall Governour of Albania every one conceiving well of him His advice being imbraced and his speeches believed all things werâ— provided which he desired as necessary for this action The taking of Castel Nuovo was very much desired by the Venetians not out of meer consideration of the thing it selfe it being a little Town of no great circuit not very strong nor well inhabited but for the many advantages which might be had thereby For it stands almost in the mouth of the Gulph of Catarro near whereunto the land thrusts out and streightens the Channel so as they who are the possessors thereof may hinder any from passing further into the Gulph which winding towards the Levant makes an other great Creek which is safe from storms wherein any Fleet how numerous soever may upon any occasion ride safely and in the utmost part thereof stands the City of Catarro which cannot be by any other way supply'd with Garrisons Victualls or any other necessaries it being invironed every where on the Lands side by the Turkish Territories Sciarra having imbarkt himselfe at Chioggia with 5000 foot whereof many were French gallant men and very well disciplin'd went with great expectation of success towards the Gulph of Catarro bringing orders with him to Generall Veniero from the Councill of
too much trusting the Spaniards to put the whole Affairs of Italy into their hands that they had condescended that an Italian Duke should be Master of Millan because they knew he was rather to be a Prince in appearance than in effect whereby they hoped they might reduce that State upon the first occasion that should be offered under their Dominion That therefore moved by the same Interests they profess'd now to defend Maximillian Sforza that they might make use of the Millaneses and of the Switzers to drive the French out of Italy whom they thought they ought only to fear That it might clearly be seen the Spaniards did no less aspire to the Empire of Italy then did the French but whereas these made their way by open Force the others finding themselves to be too weak sought to work their ends by cunning and by cozenage and did under a colour of Friendship with the Italians undermine their Liberties That therefore it was very advantageous to suffer the Forces and Reputation of an other Forreign Prince to increase in Italy to obviate their Power since that the Italians who had been so long afflicted with War were not able of themselves to defend themselves against Forreign Nations The Venetians did by these reasons make good their Counsels and Actions but whilst these things were in Treaty with the Pope all sides made diligent preparations for War Nay Princes seemed to be the more set thereupon for that Leo by his various thoughts and promises made many of them hope to be able to maintain the War by his Help and Authority But the Venetians were more sollicitous in this business then the rest as those who found themselves most necessitated to continue the War therefore they raised men diligently in all parts to make up an Army They sollicited the King of France continually to come speedily into Italy shewing him that the Victory consisted chiefly in celerity That if such Cities as were not yet provided of Garrisons should be on the sudden assaulted they might be easily reduced into their Power But that if the business were spun out in length greater difficulties would daily arise King Lewis being moved by these Exhortations bent himself wholly upon this War and being desirous to imploy his whole Forces therein he agreed with Ferdinando to lay down Arms on the other side of the Mountains for a certain time This King was so carryed away with a vain glorious desire of recovering the State of Millan as he valued neither fear nor infamy So as not caring what blame he might incurre thereby he by this suspension of Arms gave over his Friends and Kinsmans Cause the King of Navarr who for having taken part with the French was a little before driven out of his Kingdom by the Spaniards and reduced to a miserable condition And being likewise advertised of great preparation for War made by Henry King of England a powerful Prince to assault France he contemn'd the Forces of that Kingdom though they had oft times made the French feel them to their Cost For having already in his mind taken in the whole state of Millan and taken the Victory for granted he thought he might bring back his victorious Army time enough to defend his own Kingdom before the English devested of all Military Preparations by reason of their long Peace could provide all things necessary for so great an Enterprize All the Kings men meâ— then according to Orders in the City of Susa that they might the more easily pass from thence into Italy Lewis Lord of Tremuglia a Personage very famous both for his Birth and for many places which he had discharged was made chief Commander of the Army Yet the War was for the most part govern'd according to the pleasure of Giovanni Giacomo Trivulcio who was at that time in great estimation for his great experience in Military Affairs 'T was said that the French Army consisted of about 20000 fighting men 〈…〉 muster'd 8000 choice Italian Foot to which were added 200 Câ—rassiers and 500 light Horse and a great Train of Artillery which did much strengthen the Army Two noble Venetians Domenico Contareno and Andrea Loredano were the Commissaries general whose particular care it is to provide Victuals Monies and all things requisite for the Army and then to be assistant in their Advice to the Captain General in all difficult businesses for the Venetians do themselves execute all the places of the Militia by Sea but in Terra firma by their ancient wont and the Custom of their Fore-fathers they manage their War by Forreigners At this time Bartholomeo Alviano was Captain General of the Venetian Army who being lately returned from France and Count Pitigliano being dead was chosen by the Senate to succeed in his place with the same Conditions which were granted formerly to Pitigliano His yearly pay was 50000 Duckets and he was bound to keep still on foot 300 Curassiers and 500 Cross-bow men on Horse-back to be ready upon any occasion to serve the Common-wealth This man when his place was conferr'd upon him went to the Army which was then upon the Banks of Adice and thinking it fit to be speedy in the business began forthwith to exhort the Senate that he might anticipate the time and that they would suffer him to march with his Army into the state of Millan whilst the Enemy were unprovided of aid and the Cities ungarrison'd That all other attempts would be in vain or to very little purpose that it was requisite that the Venetians should run the same fortune as did the French in 〈◊〉 War That if Affairs should go well with them it was no question but they were to share in the good Fortune but if otherwise they had no hope neither of getting any thing nor yet of keeping any thing that they had lately re-gained But the Senate after they had well and narrowly examined the business resolved that the Army should not pass the Rivers of Po and Ada for what remain'd they left the whole managing of the War free to Alviano with leave to direct his Forces and Designs whither he should be invited by the negligence of the Enemy or advised by his own Industry and Reason There was not as yet any certain News come that the French were past the Alpes therefore the Senate thought it a rash Counsel to leave their Countrey exposed to the Injuries of the Enemy and to send their Army to a place from whence in any case of adverse fortune they could not return But Alviano being very fervent in all he took in hand and very quick and bold thinking that the occasion and the present condition of Affairs invited him so to do resolved to advance immediately with his Army and took his way first towards Verona hoping to get that City Pandolfo Malatesta was taken into pay by Cesar at this time and made Governour of one of the Towers who allured by greater rewards had sided with the
times and upon whatsoever events before any other Friendship which might be propounded to them but also if occasion should require be as ready for their service to undertake new enmities that the condition of times had often caused an interruption of their offices of good will which was not notwithstanding irradicated out of their minds And that though the Embassadours should find a ready willingness in the King concerning the Affairs of Italy and of the Common-wealths Interests they would not notwithstanding forbear to make use of publick authority to exhort him to come as soon as might be into Italy promising him that the Venetian assistance should be such and so ready as it was not to be doubted but that being joynd with his Forces they might break the Forces of the common Enemies and taking from them that which they had injuriously possessed reduce such things under the Dominion of the King of France and of the Venetian Common-wealth as did belong to each of them The Embassadours were enjoyn'd to perform the like offices with the King of England that there had always many good offices been mutually observed between the Kings of England and the Common-wealth that they were confident that Henry would carry himself so as they shewed not need to desire any farther demonstration of Love from him but that he would of himself do whatsoever he knew might make for the good of the Common-wealth But that they should chiefly entreat him to endeavour the increase of the King of France his affection towards the Common-wealth and by his exhortations incite him to send his Forces away immediately into Italy to their succour whereby great glory would redound unto his name This was that which was given in charge to the Embassadours But whilst they were upon their way King Lewis fell sick and dyed It was thought that his death would have caused great alteration of Affairs The Embassadours were not recalled but commanded to go on and for what concern'd their Embassie they were to expect new commissions from the Senate King Lewis afforded the Common-wealth of Venice occasion of proving various successes of Fortune His Friendship was useful to them at the beginning for they made good advantage of his asistance to revenge the Injuries done them by Lodowick Sforza so as she got Cremona a great and rich City and for a while the favour and friendship of so great a King seemed to win the Common-wealth no small credit with other Princes but afterwards when not to part from the Friendship of the French the Venetians took up Arms against the Emperour Maximillian they fell into great troubles and dangers Moreover Lewis was the first Authour and Driver on of the League of Cambray which was cause of great ruine to the Common-wealth as may be partly known by what you have already heard Lastly he who had plotted so great mischiefs against the Common-wealth re-assuming his first affection towards her began to desire and to endeavour her exaltation and did at this time use all the means he could to make her return to her former Power and Honour And certainly the Common-wealths recovery of her State in Terra firma afterwards by the asistance of the French must be chiefly attributed to Lewis who did use the same various and uncertain Proceedings all his life time so as he made others by reason of his inconstancy make trial of Fortune several times so did not he neither continue stedfast either in prosperous or adverse fortune nor did he long make trial of the same luck All humane Affairs are for the most govern'd by such mutual alterations The End of the Second Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK III. THE CONTENTS FRancis Duke of Angolema is declared King of France He is well minded towards the Common-wealth which send Embassadours to him their Proposals to the King They go from thence to England Pasqualio sent to the Duke of Burgony Martin Georgio Embassadour at Rome The Pope cannot be reduced from his obstina y by the new Venetian Embassadours The King of France prepares for War he goes to Lyons The Switzers differences are adjusted by the Emperour and Ferdinand the Pope enters into League with Cesar. Embassadours sent by the King of Poland to the Senate The French enter Italy Alviano recovers Lodi The Armies are described Sedunense his Oration to incourage his men to Battle Colonna taken Prisoner A bickering between the French and Switzers before Millan The business succeeds well at last on the French behalf by Alviano's succour The number of the dead and the Victory uncertain Millan is in the French mens hands Sforza surrenders the Castle and himself The Kings Entry into Millan Alviano attempts the taking of Brescia and dyes there Giovan Giacomo Trivulcio succeeds Alviano The Spaniards defend Brescia stoutly The Venetians recover Peschiera and other Towns The Bastard of Savoy joyns with the Venetian Army departs from the Camp Pietro Navarro serves the Venetians he endeavours to take Brescia but in vain The Pope and King of France speak together at Bologno Brescia is relieved by Roncandolfo Wherefore the Venetians retreat from thence Trivulcio being distasted leaves the Army Theadoro Trivulcio succeeds him The King returns to France Andrea Trevisano near Barbone The Pope endeavours to alienate the Venetians from the French but fails therein New Wars made by Cesar by the King of England and by the Pope Cesar prepares to enter Italy The Venetians recall the French and take 8000 Switzers into pay Cesar attempts to take Asola but fails therein the French being afraid to retreat to Millan and are incouraged by Gritti Cesars Army is dissolved Brescia returns under the Venetian Government Lotreco betakes himself slowly to the Enterprize of Verona He retreats at last and is distasted by the Senate who are jealous of his Actions The King of France and Duke of Burgony meet at Brussels Divers difficulties which arise there an agreement is made at last by which Verona returns to be under the Venetians THeir time of rejoycing for the death of King Lewis who were troubled at the power of the French in Italy lasted but a little but the Venetians hopes began quickly to revive who desired the return of that Nation into Italy to reduce their Affairs to a better condition who were likely to have suffer'd longer by the late Kings death for Prince Francis Duke of Angulesne to whom by their ancient rights of that Kingdom he being descended of the House of the Capets and the nearest a Kin to the late King the succession did belong was declared King of France He being young and of an eager Spirit of a lively and ready wit greatly desirous of War and all things fitting for War being ready and prepared by King Lewis every one thought that the new King who suddenly had his eye upon Millan and wanted not Forces to assault it would forthwith send a powerful army to that purpose beyond the Mountains and
expence weakened the Forces of the Common-wealth which were always ready to serve the French The Senate being acquainted by their Commissaries with what had past in the camp were much perplex'd not knowing what course to take for the advancement of their Affairs they who but a little before were so rejoyced and comforted for their good success at Brescia began now to have new fears and troubles since when they thought the War to be near an end they saw reasons arise of greater length and difficulties And they were chiefly troubled to think that the French in whose assistance they had put their chiefest hopes should proceed with various and uncertain counsels and perhaps as it was then believed wholly seperate from the Common-wealths Interest Whilst these things were in agitation Letters came from their Embassadour who was in France by which they were fully informed with all that had past at Noion for King Francis being desirous that the Venetians might have leisure to advise well would have them quickly acquainted with whatsoever had past till then between him and the Arch-Duke Charles To the end that as soon as the Commissioners of both parties should be come to Brussels for the confirmation of such things as had been treated of they might find all doubts resolved The chief things treated of and resolved at this convention were That the King of France and the Duke of Burgony a name which Charles of Austria took unto himself till this time had by the means of their Embassadours contracted Friendship and Peace and confirm'd it by the tye of Alliance for King Charles had promis'd to give the Lady Renea daughter to King Lewis to Charles for wife In this Confederacy all the other Princes that were friends to either party were included On Charles his part Maximillian Cesar was chiefly nominated and the Common-wealth of Venice on the King of France his behalf But those that would be comprehended within this agreement were bound to declare their minds within two moneths space The Emperour being hereof advertised promised to stand to what was agreed upon provided that peace might be established upon fair conditions wherefore Brussels was appointed for the place of convention to treat more particularly of the conditions of agreement where Charles his Embassadours and those of France were to be who should intercede as Moderators and freely Composers of the business One chief thing which they were to treat on was how the Venetians might by this agreement recover Verona for it was evident that as this business had oft times before disturb'd the Treaty of peace so if it should not now be decided all other Negotiations would be in vain for the King of France being mindful of the League which he had made with the Venetians and being desirous to keep his word was resolved not to come to any agreement with the Emperour unless Verona were thereby first restored to the Venetians Wherefore as soon as the Assembly was met this was the first proposition which was taken in haâ—d Cesars Embassadours demanded a great sum of money in exchange for the restitution of Verona and moreover the possession of some other Towns which were formerly in that jurisdiction It was farther added that Cesar would not consign over that City into the hands of the Venetians but unto some of Charles his Ministers in whose power after it had been six weeks the French might dispose of it as they should please Notice being given of all these things by the Embassadour of Venice the Senate was much perplex'd and full of various thoughts After so tedious and troublesome a War nothing certainly could be more desirable then peace and quiet They knew that they had often hazarded the fortune of the Common-wealth that they were now to endeavour some case and amendment to free them from the necessity of continuing longer in War Yet some men of more mature years and greater experience thinking how great a change of things a short time was often cause of feared that some time being by the agreement required for the re-delivery of Verona some accident might happen the mean while whereby all things being put in disorder they might remain in the same troubles and peradventure be plung'd into greater This jealousie was much increased by the knowledg of Maximillian his nature and tricks which he had wont to use which if he should continue to do in this business they feared left under the colour of Honour by which he seemed desirous that Verona should be restored to the Venetians by the hands of some others and not by himself he might plot a greater mischief against them For which doubt of theirs they seemed to have the more reason for that being contented to yield up another place of much greater importance he earnestly desired certain little Towns from whence not being able to reap any profit they judged he might have a mind to keep the way open in several parts so as he might assault the States of the Common-wealth when he should please Many things were moved in the Senate but nothing concluded because they generally desired to recover Verona which they thought they might effect better by force then by agreement They ceased not continually to sollicite Lautrech not to wait for the receiving of that from the Enemy which he might take from them by force for sure peace was not to be hoped for but by Arms. If Cesar did really desire friendship with the French he would not stand so much upon the loss of Verona but would covet their Friendship though upon conditions more advantagious to them The Senate would therefore have the King of France acquainted with these doubts which made them suspend their resolution desiring him that he would so provide for the common Affairs as became his wisdom and his singular love towards the Common-wealth and that he should take heed not to do any thing which might occasion greater difficulties As for them they would willingly submit all things to his pleasure if it should be needful so to do assuring themselves that he would have a great care of the Honour and safety of the Common-wealth The Assembly being this mean while met there were many differences between the French and Dutch which grew to that height as Cesar's Embassadors were ready to depart from Brussels leaving the business unperfect These differences were thought to be in a part occasioned by Cardinal Sedunense for this man who thought to acquire much glory by disturbing peace finding a fit occasion to provoke the Switzers laboured to undoe whatsoever was formerly agreed upon between them and the King of France He went likewise to Henry King of England and sought by all means to incense that King yet more who did already sufficiently envy and hate the King of France Sedunense had propounded unto himself to perswade both these Princes to joyne their Forces with those of Cesar or at least to promise him they would doe so to keep him as
of the League for these Respects was delay'd and doubtfull it was known by a new and unthought of Accident which did alter the whole course of affairs and was cause of grievous and important Tumults that the Pope after having shew'd so great a desire for the peace of Italy and after so many negotiations had with the French to oppose such as should go about to disturb it had secretly agreed with the Emperour to assault the State of Millane by their joint forces All men especially the Venetians did strangely wonder and were very much confused that the Pope by taking away the Counterpoise of the French Forces should by his forces and authority increase the Emperours power in Italy which he himself had but a little before made appear to be so suspicious and formidable to the Church and to all the Italian Princes and that it ought to be supprest or at least moderated By the Pope's consent and counsel several secret practises were held by the Imperialâ—sts with those that were outlaw'd in Millane whereof there were many principal Noble men of great attendance and authority that by their means tumults should be unexspectedly raised at one and the same time in several Cities to drive out the French of Force who feared nothing less whose Garrisons were already much lessned and when Lautrech was absent who was gone a little before to France But these consultations coming to the knowledge of Monsieur di Lerce brother to Lautrech and to whom he had left his Lieutenant in Italy before the time was ripe to put them in execution he speedily raised so many men as did suffice to suppress these Plots and many of the Outlawed being by him driven out of the State of Milan where they had secretly hid themselves and fled to the City of Regio where they were received by him that was governour for the Pope who as hath been said was conscious of what was formerly agreed on with Cesar and knew all these Designs And these men being pursued by the French even to the gates of Regio the Pope complained grievously that the French beaâ—ing so little respect to his dignity and authority and to the friendship which he held with the King of France should go to his Forts and seek to use violence anticipating by these complaints which were chiefly made to the Senate of Venice those which were rather to have been made by the King of France that the Pope contrary to the agreement which was made between them should suffer that his rebellious and contumacious subjects and who were Out-lawed should be received into the Cities belonging to the Church just when they sought to disturb his affairs But the Venetians being desirous as much as in them lay to appease these tumults for the Pope's more resolute will and his confederacy made with Cesar though it were ratified by him was not as yet publiquely known laboured to free the Pope of these suspitions shewing that the proceedings of the Kings of France had always been such towards all Popes and that upon their knowledge the now present King bore so great a respect to the affairs of the Church and such observance to this Pope's person as a contrary opinion was not now to be grounded upon so slight an occasion nor ought so continued and so good an Intelligence betwixt that Kingdom and the Apostolique See be broken upon such a cause They therefore earnestly desired Leo that before he should settle in such an opinion as might produce many pernicious effects he would be pleased to write to the King to know his mind and to be better informed of what had hapned But it was in vain to perswade the Pope who though he seemed to put on new resolutions upon this new accident had notwithstanding for certain established his agreement already with the Emperour wherein it was accorded That when the State of Milan should be recovered by their joynt Forces the Cities of Parma and Piacenza should return to the Church and all the rest of the State of Milan should be assigned over unto Francesco Sforza That the Pope should forthwith absolve Charls of his oath which he took at his being invested into the Kingdom of Naples that so he might with the better Title hold the Empire All Treaties of agreement being then despaired of the Venetians resolved to be by no means failing to the obligations which they had to the King of France touching the preservation of the State of Milan It was known that many souldiers were assembled by order from the Pope and Emperour to the end that since they succeeded not in their secret practises they might forthwith betake themselves to open force To which purpose the Pope though under other pretences had already taken six thousand Switzers into pay and Prospero Colonna who was declared Captain General of the Enterprize went to Bologno to raise a great many souldiers and the Viceroy of Naples with the Cavalry of that Kingdom and Marquis Pescara with the Spanish Infantery were come to the banks of the River Tronto to be ready to pass over upon the first occasion Wherefore the Venetians hasted to take six thousand Italian foot into pay and mustering all their Horse in Brescia they ordered their Governour Theadoro Trivulcio to march with them to the banks of Ada and that if the French affairs should require it he should pass over it They likewise commanded Paolo Nani who was then Commander of Bergamo that he should wait upon the Governour and follow the camp executing the place of Commissary This news being this mean while come to France Lautrech returned speedily into Italy began to provide for the succouring of the State of Milan in time there not being sufficient Garrisons there in it to defend it if it should be fallen upon by a powerful Army His chief care and diligence was to keep the new succour which the enemy expected who had already about a thousand Curassiers and eight thousand foot from joyning with them The Pope had lastly taken three thousand more Switzers into pay for half of his former number of them were diminished And at the same time Ferdinand brother to Charls being come to Villaco to raise six thousand foot in those parts prepared as soon as his number should be full to pass with them into Italy for whom Cesar demanded passage from the Venetians They answeted they could by no means satisfie him in that his desire by reason of the agreements which they had made with the King of France wherein to fail was to falsifie their words But to be sure that they should not enter against their wills they gave order for the stopping of all passages and placed diligent Guards in them And because there were several Passes whereby the Dutch foot might fall down into the Territories of Verona and joyn with Colonna's men so as it would be a difficult matter to secure them all by putting sufficient Garrisons into them the Venetians
with all men and who was then Moderator in the weightiest affairs of Princes touching preventing Italy from the eminent dangers threatned her by Cesar's greatness wherein they hoped to finde that King the readier because it was very like that such a Victory would purchase Charles much envie and might alienate the minde of Henry more from him who being haughty and ambitions would unwillingly see him so eminent above all others and to become Lord of Italy Yet the Venetiens finding the Pope still inclined to accord with the Imperialists they as resolving not to part wholly from his courses began to think upon some conditions and therefore the Viceroy having sent Iovan Sermento to Venice to give them an account of the victory they treated very civilly with him seeming to bear good will to Cesar and ordered Lorenzo Priuly and Ardrea Navagiero who being formerly destined to be sent to Charles had by publick directions tarried at Genua to pursue their journey and go to Spain to congratulate with him for the Victory which he had wonne and to excuse their slowness in sending their men to his Camp But Charles when he had received the news of his Armies so prosperous success though he did inwardly rejoice being inflamed with a desire of glory and Empire and hoped for better things yet shewing great moderation in his words and outward appearance he said he would as it became him to do use this signal favour which God had been pleased to bestow upon him to the service of Christendome and to universall agreement Wherefore he sent the Duke of Sesta not long after to the Pope to proffer him peace and to assure him that he very much desired the Peace and Tranquillity of Italy He made the like be done to the Venetian Senate by his Embassadour Alfonso Sauces and by his Secretary Caracciolo who was not as yet gone from Venice But the more the Cesareans seemed to desire Peace and League with the Italian Potentates at a time when they might rather expect to be desired then to desire others they gave the more suspition that their secret thoughts were pernitious to the Liberty of Italy The Venetians did therefore temporize neither concluding nor excluding these Treaties and this the rather because Propositions made unto them by the French caused them to suspend their judgements Gasparo Lormano being come at the same time to Venice being sent thither by the King's Mother who was then Queen Regent of France who shewing That the Kingdome feared no offences that it had fores sufficient and ready enough to be imploy'd in the recovery of their King desired the Senate that they would not abandon so glorious a cause and so advantagious for their Commonwealth but that they would joyn with the Lords of France to set her Son at liberty by force of Arms whereby the safety and liberty of Italy would likewise be had To which desires the Senate shewing first the great resentment they had of the Kings misfortune and that they wish'd very well to the honour and welfare of the Crown of France did not as yet give any positive answer but reply'd only that the weightiness of the proposition required time and advisedness to ground any solid resolution thereon But in the mean while the Pope who had sent the Archbishop of Capua to that purpose to Spain ratified the agreement which was formerly made with the Viceroy including the Senate of Venice if they would declare their consent thereunto within twenty days Wherefore the Senate was almost necessitated to dispatch the treaty by many though unresolved endeavours with the Emperours Embassadours and that they might accommodate the most important businesses for some others remained undecided Pietro Pesaro was sent to Milan to negotiate with the Viceroy But the French did not for all this forbear pressing their desires not having altogether quitted their hopes of making the Venetians joyn with them though the Popes authority and advice had as then drawn them to be of a contrary opinion They therefore sent the Bishop of Baiosa to Venice and Ambrogio da Fiorenza who in the name of the Queen Regent and of the whole Kingdom did upon more mature advice make better grounded proposals then the first were touching the League and freedom of the King in which respect but much more because every day new and clearer signs were discovered of Cesars ambition and of his Counsellours designs which were all bent to make him absolute Master of Milan and to put a yoke upon Italy the French Embassadours had attentive audience given them in the Colledge and the business was taken into new consideration and put into a way of Treaty At this time the Marquis of Pescara was come into Milan with 3000 Foot 200 Curassiers and a good number of light Horse and had desired the Duke that he would cause the Castle of Milan together with the like of Cremona to be delivered up unto him publiquely affirming that he was sent by Cesar to take possession of Milan in whose name all exactions expeditions and the whole administration of Government was made and he endeavour'd to make all the Cities swear Fealty unto him Wherein though the Pope did appear very much in striving to make Cesar keep his articles of confederacy and assign over the State of Milan to Duke Francisco Sforza yet it did no good sometimes one reason sometimes another being alledged for the delay thereof and amongst the rest that he had treated of delivering up the Castle of Milan to the Venetians A thing which was never so much as thought upon much less negotiated by any of the parties These things did alienate the minds of the Venetians from the Emperour dayly more and more and increased their jealousies and made them not adhibite faith to what Gaspero Contarino who was their Embassadour with Cesar did inform them of being made to do so by him that Cesars mind stood well affected to the quiet of Italy and to a general peace Therefore the Venetians seeking out an occasion to break off the treaty of agreement proposed divers difficulties the chief whereof was that the Duke of Milan being one of the principal Contractors the League could not be well concluded if it were not first known what was to become of him and of his State The dispatch whereof was thought to be cunningly delayed which made them believe that these calumnies were forged which were laid upon Sforza thereby to bereave him of his State with an intention to keep it though large promises were made that it should be given to the Duke of Bourbone or to any other that the Collegues should like of The Pope likewise beginning to discover these artificial proceedings of the Imperialists did no longer believe any thing they said Wherefore to proceed speedily against the common danger he resolved to joyn in a good and strict intelligence with the Venetians quickly since there would be some difficulties in concluding the French in the
yield threatning on the other side that they would put them and their houses to fire and sword if they would obstinately persist to defend themselves They considered that at the present the Viceroy was far off and that they could not hope to receive any speedy succour from the Spaniards and that when they should have gotten the city they need not distrust the reducing of the Castles likewise into their power which not being succour'd must likewise suddenly yield Yet others were of opinion that they were to expect till Renzo was further advanced and that they might streighten that City with greater Forces upon the getting whereof they knew all other good success did depend and the end of the war wherefore they were to proceed therein with more mature advice and well grounded hopes since if the business did not succeed well the whole enterprise would be much prejudiced that a short time might mightily facilitate good success for they knew the city was in great scarcity of Corne which after the late taking of some ships laded with wheat which went to relieve it must needs grow greater and almost insupportable whereupon the people tumultuating would by their disorders facilitate the Victory That therefore in expectance of such an occasion they were to draw unexpectedly neer to the walls of the City and not give the Spaniards leisure to order their affairs and to provide for better defence that it was to be considered that a little withstanding would be sufficient to resist the forces of that Fleet which were so weak and so few as they could not attempt the taking of the Town but with more danger then hope That therefore they were to expect some more recruits of men either by shipping from France or from the Army by land and that the mean while they might go to Salerno and reduce that and the other neighbouring Towns to the devotion of the League before they should be better garrison'd and so the city of Naples would at last fall into their hands But these reasons not prevailing it was resolved that a Herauld should be sent into the City who should require the delivery thereof up into the hands of the League upon such promises and threats as were mentioned in the Consultation But Don Hugo dâ— Moncada who was within the City curbing the people and resolving to stand upon defence when hee understood that the Fleet was within four miles march'd out of the City with 2500 foot and 300 horse to disturb the designes of the captains of the League who had already landed many souldiers under the conduct of Monsieur de Valdemonte and of Horatio Baglione who being got very near the City to discover the situation met with Don Hugo and his men fought them and made them run which was not done so much by the souldiers valour as by shot from the Gallies which playing upon the Enemy who were upon the shore prejudiced them much but frighted them more so as being disordered and in confusion thinking how soonest to withdraw themselves from the danger they fled towards the City and turn'd their backs upon our men who pursued them so fast as they would have left some pieces of Artillery behind them had not Don Hugo by making some Spanish Souldiers make a halt recovered them But being hereby necessitated to retreat the flower he had not leasure at his entrance into the City to cause the Bridg be pull'd up nor to shut the Gate which Baglione who pursued him made himself suddenly Master of But having but a few Souldiers with him and fearing that if he should enter the Town with them he should not be able to keep them from plundering so as being disordered and confused they might be cut in pieces he retreated to the Gallies which were but a mile off This success infused such terrour into the Neapolitans as they sent to intreat the Captains of the Fleet that they would not play upon the Town with their Cannon nor ruine the Country for for their parts they were ready to yield But this so fortunate opportunity could not be made use of for Don Hugo knowing that there were but few forces in the Fleet appear'd willing to defend the Town and to undergo any whatsoever inconvenience and by this time it was clearly known that they could not storm the City for that the Souldiers of the Fleet were reduced to a small number by reason of the Garrisons which it behooved them to leave in the Towns that they had taken until the great Fleet which was promis'd by the King should be come from France Which not coming the Captains of the League were necessitated to lye idle and to let the victory escape out of their hands And though they had often very earnestly desired that they might have a thousand Foot at least sent them from the land Army offering to send their Gallies to take them up at Terracino they could not get it effected For great disorders were hapned in the Ecclesiastical Army Little discipline no obedience to Commanders great want of monies and of victuals so as when it was expected that the Army answerable to the first prosperous success should advance and gather more force and reputation it grew every day less and less through its own inconveniences Which mischiefs proved the harder to be remedied for that a suspension of Arms being in agitation and the Pope being according to his custom irresolute and sparing in laying out of monies he was now more slow and sparing therein And this Treaty being known in the Camp the Commanders and Souldiers began to despise the Orders of the Popes Legate and all interests of the League Insomuch as some of the Captains who had been most honour'd and best rewarded by the Pope went over to the Imperialists and took pay of them These proceedings confirm'd Clement the more in his former purpose and in buckling close to the treaty of agreement insomuch as he would say that since he must serve he would rather serve the Emperour then always depend upon the immoderate wills of Captains and of every base Souldier But the resolution taken by Burbone was above all things else cause of great disturbance to the designs of the Confederates and of particular trouble to the Pope for Burbone having at last overcome all difficulties and drawn the Souldiers out of Milan was on his way to joyn with the Dutch who expected him beyond the Trebbia not knowing particularly what enterprize they were to fall upon only it was publiquely given out that Bourbone to get the Souldiers out of Milan had promised them the sacking of Florence and of Rome which was the only means to make them move The Pope growing apprehensive of himself as also of the affairs of Florence not out of any charity towards his Country as was afterwards seen but fearing least some alteration might happen in the Government of the City together with the suppression of his family which were then
his resolution of carrying his Army nearer Rome intending to take up his quarters in some strongly situated place where he might be ready for whatsoever event should happen He therefore betook himself to new councels which was to endeavour with less danger to bring the Pope out of the Castle to which purpose he in great haste sent Frederico da Bozzole with a Troop of Curassiers good store of light Horse and some companies of Dragoons towards the City hoping that by his unexpected coming the Pope might find some way of getting out and having so sure a guide might come to the Leagues Army Which course through several accidents proved but vain But the Army advancing still the mean while they heard that new Trenches were made about the Castle and so secure as the enterprize grew more difficult and moreover that some Spanish Foot were expected to come to Rome from Naples from whence Captain Alcone was already come with some companies Wherefore the Duke with the consent of the rest of the Commanders thought it not fit that the Army should advance any further whereof he gave the Senate speedy notice acquainting them with the cause of his stay and requiring much greater forces that he might more safely and with better hopes attempt the freeing of the Pope to effect the which he said it was requisite to have fifteen thousand Switzers in the Army a great number of Pioners and a greater Train of Artillery The Venetians were much troubled to hear this that the Pope should continue so long in so sore troubles and the rather for that some Letters were at this time read in the Senate written by the Pope himself to Guicchardine the Ecclesiastical Commissary and by him sent to Venice Wherein deploring his adversity and sad condition he entreated solicited and conjured the Confederates to procure his freedom Nor was the loss of the Leagues reputation by reason of this slowness less grievous whereby the credit of the Enemy was the more encreased and the fear dayly increased that the Pope out of meer desperation would agree upon any tearms with the Imperialists So as they knew not now whereupon to ground their hopes or how to lay their designs of War For the things that were required were difficult and asked length of time whereby things would grow worse and almost impossible to be repaired Wherefore the Senate understanding the hindrance which Commissary Veturi put in the Armies approaching near Rome took the place from him and committed him to the Office of the Avogaria that he might give an accompt of his action but his tryal being delay'd and the anger which was conceived against him being with time allay'd and it being found that his advice was not without some reason he was absolved in Court But the Senate persisting still in their first opinion did with greater efficacie then before renew their orders to their Captain General and to their Commissaries that using all possible diligence they should resume their former resolution of drawing with their Army near Rome and of indeavouring to free the Pope whereat all of them were so highly distasted as the Duke of Urbine was ready to quit the Common-wealths service But afterwards dislikes being on all sides tempered his place was confirm'd upon him for two years longer the Senate taking him and his State into their protection But to give better security and as it were a pledg of his fidelity he sent his Wife and the Prince his Son to live at Venice which the Senate took extreamly well and by Letters full of thanks and affection desired to confirm this good opinion in him shewing how great expectation every one was in of his worth upon this occasion and particularly the esteem which they themselves had not only of his valour but of his loyaltie and love towards the Common-wealth And because in this commotion of Affairs it much imported them to keep the Florentines faithful to the League the Venetians labour'd to increase the disposition which they found in them to stand to the confederacy to which the Pope had formerly agreed in their name Though after what had hapned at Rome they had driven the Medici out of the City and reduced the Government into the former popular condition The Popes Imprisonment and the Spaniards prosperous success proving dayly more grievous and vexatious to the French they betook themselves to make diligent provision for War the King said he would come himself in person to Lions that he might be nearer at hand to provide for what was requisite for the Army and that he had given order for the levying of more Foot which amounted to the number of 15000 Switzers and 10000 Italians He likewise man'd out Andrea Doria at his own expences with eight Gallies that he might be therewithal serviceable to what should be done by Seâ— and agreement being opportunely made at this time between him and the King of England he exhorted him since there were divers accidents which deferr'd the waging of War with Cesar beyond the mountains to contribute monies for the payment of ten thousand Dutch foot to the end that they might make war with him the more forceably in Italy And that there might not want a Chieftain of authority in the business he resolved to send Lautrech into Italy to be General of the League who might command in chief over all the Armies and the Venetians to honour him chose Pietro Pisaro Procurator of S. Mark for their Embassadour who was to meet him as soon as he should be come into Italy and to be continually assistant with him Whilst affairs were ordering thus the Imperialists which were in Rome although their numbers were much encreased by the Spanish Foot which were lately come from Naples by Sea to that City so as there was about four and twenty thousand foot in the Imperial Army yet did they employ their time idely in making use of the booty which they had got not making any further progress the Commanders authority not being sufficient to make them go out of the City nor to curb their licentiousness only some few Dutch Foot went out of Rome by whose going it was thought that all the Army would rise and sacked Terni and Narni without passing any further though the Leagues Army were retreated for that despairing of the business of Rome the Venetians had caused their Army which was followed by the Marquis of Saluzzo with the French to retreat to the confines of the Senesi to secure the Florentine affairs according to the ratification of the League upon the obligation of the Florentines maintaining five thousand foot in the Camp at their own cost in which they shewed themselves the more ready for that they were the most exposed to danger for the Imperial Commanders threatned to turn their forces upon them being incensed for that having in the beginning of the Pope's adversity given them some intimation that they would adhere unto the Emperour they did
come himself to Venice to justifie his actions the Senate either being better informed or that they might the better accomodate themselves to the time and affairs would not suffer him to leave the Army but removing away the Guard from his Wife and Son seemed to be satisfied with him But the Venetians since they could not make Lautrech alter his resolution made their men come into Lombardy which were then about fifteen thousand foot having left three thousand five hundred Light Horse with Lautrech for the enterprize of Rome being thereunto moved out of the pressing care which they had of retaining the Towns which they had recovered in the Dukedom of Milan the weight whereof lay only upon the Common-wealth Francisco Sforza being so exhausted of money as he was hardly of himself able to maintain the ordinary Garrisons of the City much less to bring men into the Field as he was bound to do by his Articles and as was necessary to resist the Forces which were prepared by Antonio da Leva Moreover the respect of their own affairs did not a little move them and the fear of bringing the danger home unto themselves bereaving their Country of defence by sending their Forces so far off and especially because they heard that many armed people were gathered together in the parts about Tirol and that great provision of victuals and munition was made in the City of Trent to be sent into Italy And this fear made the greater impression in them because now Ferdinando of Austria who had quieted the affairs of Hungary by the victory he had gotten over Giovan the Vayvod of Transilvania had better conveniency to attend the affairs of Italy as he had oft times seemed very desirous to do Wherefore thinking it necessary to encrease their Army to the number of twenty thousand foot and to make greater provisions to maintain another great War the Senate entreated the King of England that he would be assistant to the Commonwealth and to the cause of Italy by contributing part of the expence in so great a need to the payment of that Army which was to maintain the Liberty of Italy which he had so often promised to defend But the King affirming still that he would make War upon Cesar in Flanders and free Italy from any such danger by diverting his Forces shewed that it was good for the common service to lessen the provisions which were destined for such enterprizes so as the Commonwealth being to be alone at so great expences and the publique Treasury being already much exhausted by the so long War was forc'd to have recourse to many extraordinary ways for the raising of monies Amidst all these preparations for War the business of Peace was not notwithstanding quite laid aside but the Emperour seeming to desire it had several Treaties with the King of France and with the Venetians somtimes apart for particular agreement and somtimes joyntly for a general peace The demands which were made on the King of France his part and on the Venetians were That Cesar should set the King of France his Sons at liberty That he should free the Pope and forgo whatsoever he held that belonged unto the Church That he should restore Francisco Storza Duke of Milan unto his State and that he should remove all his forces out of Lombardy and out of Rome Which Cesar neither wholly accepting of nor yet altogether denying he sought by various difficulties to hold on the more certain resolution chiefly by demanding a great sum of money of the Venetians whereby holding the business on foot but full of doubts he desired to take the advantage of time and to steer his course according to the event of the affairs of Italy and according to the preparations made by his Brother hoping the mean while to conclude the particular agreement with the King of France more to his own advantage to whom as the King acquainted the Venetians afterward he did at last propound The excluding of all the other Colleagues and the appropriating of the State of Milan to himself Whereby and by his first resolution in all his Treaties of having Sforza's cause decided by Judges and that in the mean while he should keep the City of Milan in his own name and with his Garrisons it might easily be conceived that all his Treaties tended only to this that the Confederates Armies being disbanded he might put himself in safe possession of the State of Milan so as all thoughts of Peace being laid aside War was again denounced by the Confederates to Cesar wherein thinking that it might make much for their advantage if they could draw the Duke of Ferara and the Marquis of Mantua into the League and having tryed them both they concluded with the Duke of Ferara to receive him into their League upon condition that he should maintain two hundred Curassiers at his own charges in the Colleagues Army and that he should contribute ten thousand Ducats monethly for the space of six moneths towards the payment of the Foot For which the Confederates were to take him and his State into their protection After which agreement a large and stately Palace which did formerly belong to him in Venice was restored unto him But the Treaty was somwhat more difficult with the Marquis of Mantua for he desired to be declared Captain General of the League in Lautrech's absence To which the Venetians would not consent in respect of the Duke of Urbine But at last Girallimo Zane Podesta of Verona being gone to Mantua in the publique name to treat of this business he concluded it without that condition taking the person and the State of the Marquis into the Confederates protection But Cesar seeing he was to make his party good against so many enemies and desiring to make his cause appear less dishonest and by so doing to sever the King of England perhaps from the rest of the Confederates he resolved at last to give the Pope his Liberty To which purpose he sent sufficient commissions to the Viceroy and to Don Hugo di Moncada who being dead the Viceroy concluded the Agreement The Pope being to leave according to former Articles Ostia Civita Vecchia and Civita Castellana in the Emperour's possession and paying the same sum of money though with some further respite of time And passing his word above all things else that he would not oppose Cesar in the affairs of Naples nor of Milan The Colleagues in the beginning of the year one thousand five hundred twenty eight prepared to make War with most powerful forces both by Land and Sea and chiefly to fall upon the Kingdom of Naples as the King of France had long before desired and intended Wherefore he prest the Venetians that they would encrease their Gallies to the number of twenty four according to the first capitulations But they said they had fully made good their promise with the former sixteen because of these there were eight Bastard Gallies every
Galleys as to an assured Triumph And having joyfully dined at the Island of Capri they went to assault Doria who lay with his Galleys upon the coast of Amalsi near Capo d' Orto being perswaded that the Genueses being terrified with this spectacle and with the unexpected assault would either run away or that if they would joyn battel with them though upon disadvantage that through the Vallour of the Spanish Souldiers which were the very best pick'd out of the whole Army they should obtain certain and glorious victory But the business fell out much otherwise for neither was Doria affrighted at the sight of the enemy he being a man very well experienced in Maritime affairs nor came the assault unexpected he having been so timely advertised thereof as that he had opportunity to prepare for it and to reinforce his Fleet with souldiers which were sent unto him from the Camp by Lautrech So as resolving to wait the Imperialists coming and not to refuse battel when he first saw the enemy appear he devided his forces and with 4 Galley's made boldly towards them causing the other two which were commanded by Lomelino to fall off at the same time to seaward as if they fled away but with orders to tack about and assault the Imperialists on the Flanck and Poupe whilest they were busied in the fight Which counsel being wisely taken and well pursued by the Captain and his Genueses who were very well verss'd in all things which belonged to Sea had such good success as two of the enemies Galleys fell into Doria's hands two were sunck and the other two being shrewdly shattered saved themselves with much adoe by flight the Marquis of Guasto Asconio Colonna and other Commanders were taken prisoners Don Hugo Cesare Feramosca and most of the souldiers which were in the Gallies were slain whereby the City of Naples was deprived of her best and valiantest defendants General Lando came this mean while to the shores of Naples with 20 Gallies who being likewise come for the business of Puglia and having tarried in the Gulf of Massa had already taken all the Towns appertaining to the Venetians as Trani Mola Puglignan Monopli Otranto and Brandizzo the Castles of Brandizzo remaining only in the Imperialists power Commissary Augustino da Mula being left to guard them The arrival of the Venetian General was of great advantage to the French and as prejudicial to the Enemy for leaving six Gallies at Gaetta and as many at Cume he scowred the Rivers neighbouring upon Naples with the rest from Capanella to Massa blocking up the Sea so as he suffer'd not any vessel to enter with victuals to the Besieged The Venetian Gallies did likewise possess themselves of some places where the Mills were which grownd corn for the City so as the corn which they had yet lest could not be made into bread but being deliver'd out unto the Souldiers ungrownd was either eaten by them in poâ—tage or baked in pans On the other side the Venetian Fleet was of great advantage to their friends for it furnished their Camp with victuals from Sea whereof by reason of the great number of useless people who flock to the Camp for the dearth that was that year generally throughout all Italy and by the carelesness of the Commanders there was great scarcity in the Camp And Monsieur ae Barbasi who brought monies from France with him to pay the Souldiers meeting with great impediments by the Imperialists who had block'd all the ways so as that he was fain to take a great circuit about was met by divers of the Venetian Generals men whom he on purpose had landed to assist Barbasi against Don Ferrante Gonsagae who was come with both Horse and Foot out of Naples to intercept the supply of monies and by their means together with some others that were sent from the Camp both Venetians and Florentines led on by Valerio Ursino and Hugo â—e Pepoli he repuls'd the Enemy but Hugo being too forward in pursuit of them was taken Prisoner Thus far the affairs of the League went on prosperously and with great hopes of putting a speedy end to the War by the acquisition of the whole Kingdom of Naples but now apparent signs grew not only of their declination but even of their ruine As it fortune could not long favour the French in Italy to whom she had so long shew'd her self therein an Enemy Their Army fell into sore and sudden sicknesses whereunto many causes did concur As the influence of the Heavens which had this year occasioned many pestiferous diseases in all pats the season of the year which being in the moneth of August was made the worse by the disorders committed by the Souldiers in eating great store of fruit But especially the badness of the air which was become unwholesom by reason of the waters which being diverted for several moneths from their ordinary course did overflow almost all parts about their Quarters Which put Lautrech into great straits finding inconveniences on all sides and great doubts and difficulties in either continuing the Siege the commenc'd inconveniences considered or in inlarging his Camp He was advised by almost all his Captains to carry the Souldiers into the neighbouring Towns and by dividing them to keep the mallady from spreading farther and that the sick might have the better means affâ—rded them of cure And truly the Army was brought into such a condition as necessity seemed to force him to such a resolution the rather for that the Sea being still block'd up he might sufficiently incommodate the Enemy though he inlarged his quarters But on the other side Lautrech was greatly grieved to see a Victory escape his hands which was almost won For if he should enlarge his quarters he knew that the Imperialists who did abound in Horse would by their coming abroad finde some wayes open to provide against their Incoveniencies He understood by Simione Romano whom he had sent into Calavria that all things succeeded well there that all those people did surrender out of their particular affection to the name of France that the Towns and Havens in Puglia were fallen into the Venetians hands that the Abruzzo was at very first reduced by the French that the Spaniards were already driven out of almost the whole Kingdome And yet all these acquisitions must prove to no purpose if by allowing those who were in Naples and who were already reduced to great straits the benefit of time he should lose the opportunity of getting that City upon which the good or bad success of the whole enterprise did depend He was also ashamed that the Spaniards suffering under great inconveniencies sickness and scarcity should notwithstanding bear all this with such constancy as that they would not listen to any Propositions of surrender and yet he and his French must through weakness of Spirit yeild to the very first frowns of adverse fortune and suffer themselves to be as it were overcome by those that
weak foundations his own affairs stood and how impossible it was for him to maintain an Army and tarry any longer in Italy That it is a general rule what is acceptable and advantagious to an Enemy is to be shunn'd as that which may produce contrary effects to the adverse party That this which had an appearance of humanity and looked like a desire of peace and quietness was only a piece of cunning in the Imperialists to conceal their weakness and to make it be believed that they intended the common good when they did only endeavour their own advantage But suppose said these men that we may do well for the present tâ— agree with Cesar it will be fitting at least to expect what the result will be of the convention at Bullognia where Cesars mind and intentions may be better discovered especially touching the settlement of the Dutchy of Milan upon which the best grounded resolution of peace ought to depend by the obligation of ancient and new confederacy and by the disposition of the Commonwealth her self introduced by many weighty Interests That it was also probable that the Pope though he were not very well pleased with them as touching the towns in Romagna would not notwithstanding for the Churches interest and his own break the friendship and peace between the Emperour and the Commonwealth the safety and honour whereof did finally result to the accommodation and grandezza of the Apostolique See as that also the present peace would make for the business of Florence which the Pope did then so fervently endeavour to the end that all other respects and jealousies being laid aside Cesar might for the Popes satisfaction turn his Forces into those parts and bring them to a sooner and a more certain end These reasons wrought much upon the minds of many men who being now wonted to War were unwilling to lay down Arms unless with great honour and safety to the Commonwealth insomuch as they did for that time forbear the chusing of Commissioners to send to Mantua to treat of peace and resolved to send Secretary Andrea Resso to the Marquis To return their thanks for his offer and for the good Will which he seemed to bear to the Commonwealth excusing themselves for that they could not at the present resolve upon a Treaty since the Emperour and the Pope were to meet quickly at Bullognia to find out an accommodation for all the affairs of Italy and for that Bishop Bosoniences the Popes Nuntiâ— had interposed himself in that business and particularly in what appertained to the Commonwealth This mean while the Pope being gone from Rome went to Spoleti and from thence to Bullognia to expect the Emperour who came thither some few days after the five and twentieth of October which was the day the Pope entred that City As soon as they met the Treaty of Peace began both of them seeming desirous to settle Italy in a firm condition of quiet The first and most important businesses to be accorded were those which concerned the Duke of Milan who after many former practises and endeavours for which the Protonotary Caracciole and Don Garziadi Padiglia were gone with several propositions from Piacenza to Cremona resolved having formerly obtained a safe conduct and being councell'd so to do by the Venetians who for his greater honour sent their Embassadour Mark Antonio Veniero to accompany him to go himself to Cesar in Bullognia for one thing which made the business more difficult was that Cesar took it ill that Francisco Sforza should not humble himself to him as it became a Vassal of the Empire to do and that he did negotiate his business either too arrogantly or at least distrusting too much Cesars either justice or clemency The first thing which disturb'd this Treaty which was before brought near a conclusion was that the Imperialists would have the Cities of Pavia and Alessandria delivered up into their hands as pledges for the observancy of what should be agreed upon which Sforza following herein the counsel and opinion of the Senate who had put great Garrisons into those Cities and had lent the Duke ten thousand Ducats to maintain them utterly refused to do This demand having renewed in him and in the Venetians their former jealousies that the Imperialists desired to appropriâ—te the State of Milan unto themselves wherefore the Pope desired those Cities might be deposited into his hands which the Duke said he could not do without the consent of the Venetians alledging that it would be better to refer the discussion of his cause to the convention at Bullognia And thus he spun out the time without coming to any conclusion When Sforza was come to Bullognia where he was graciously received by the Emperour his business was brought to this conclusion the Pope interceding therein to whom Cesar had promised that he would not dispose of the State of Milan without his consent that his cause should be decided by Justice Whereunto the Duke did more willingly consent then to any other proposal to shew that he relied upon his own Innocence and upon Cesar's Justice But the Venetian Senate seeing that the agreement with the Duke of Millan which had been the chief cause of beginning the war and of the continuance thereof was in a fair way of being concluded sent Commissions to Gaspero Contarini who was their Embassadour with the Pope to treat and conclude of peace if they could agree upon particulars they having been very much and with great expressions of love solicited thereunto by the Pope who promised to interpose both his authority and favour with Cesar concerning this Treaty The Embassadour Contarini when he met the Emperour at his first entrance into Bolognia was very graciously received by his Majestie but nothing was as yet treated of saving general civilities which shewed a good inclination to friendship and peace When the Embassadour had made it known that he had Commission from the Senate to treat of an agreement and that therefore he desired to know upon what tearms it was to be made The Emperour seeming to correspond very much in a will and desire to peace deputed the Lord Chancellour Granville and Monsieur di Prato to this negotiation in which Treaty the Pope himself would intervene At first there was great hopes of comming to a speedy agreement but when they drew near a conclusion new doubts and difficulties were started which made it be believed that but little sincerity was intended therein chiefly for that though many endeavours had been had the Imperialists could not be brought to remove the Dutch Foot from the State of Venice who continued still to the number of about ten thousand in the Territories of Brescia and did prejudice the Country much And moreover twenty five Gallies being parted from Cevita Vecchia to go for Naples it was publickly said that these together with four more which were in that Haven were ordered to go into Puglia So as all expences and provisions
consumed with certain losse But they were hereunto chiefly incited by their hopes of being assisted by the forces of other Christian Princes in whatsoever enterprise they should undertake against the Turks according to the so many offers made by the Pope and Emperour which if they should not accept of they might seem not without some infamy and apparent prejudice to the Common-wealth to have abandoned both themselves and the cause of Christendom There were then about 50 nimble Gallies and as many great Vessells of the Emperours upon the sea the Pope had armed four and the Knights of Ierusalem some which forces being all united they hoped to be not onely able to beat the Turkish Fleet and to free Corfu from siege but to do some egregious act by way of noble conquest Newes being therefore brought of the Armies being gone to the Island of Corfu and war being openly made Mark Antonio Contarini Embassadour at Rome was ordered to acquaint the Pope therewith and with the Senates resolution to let him see in how great danger the common cause of Christendom was and how ready they were to employ all their forces to defend it and themselves against the potent common enemy They thought it fittest to do this first with the Pope not onely because this care did chiefly belong unto him as to the head of Christianity but for that he having been very desirous that the Christian Princes should joyne against the Infidells had often offered the Churches Treasury and all his forces and authority towards so pious and necessary a work It was also very fit in respect of the present businesse to treat thereof at Rome rather then in Spain it being then thought by what themselves had given out that the Emperour's Ministers in Italy had commission given them to joyne his Fleet with the Venetians if occasion should so require As soon as the Pope heard this the Senates resolution he seemed to be very much joyed thereat saying That he had never desired any thing more fervently since he was Pope then this that God could not be more gracious unto him then to suffer him to see the mindes and forces of Christian Princes joyned together against those enemies who through the so much encreased discords of Christendom did now threaten them ruine He did not therefore onely confirm but encrease his promises made to the Venetians when he perswaded them to make this union And truly the Pope's exhortations were of no small moment to excite in them these thoughts and hopes of a League he being esteemed a wise man very zealous of the common good and very well affected towards the Common-wealth A beginning being thus given to a treaty of League it was concluded by all that mighty forces at sea were to be put together since they had to do with an enemy whose power nay whose very name was become so formidable to all men They discoursed therefore of arming 200 Gallies and as many Ships and other great Vessells as they could wherein 50000 Foot were to be embarcked and 4000 Horse But because there arose some difficulty about the distribution of this expence and the time and necessity pressing very much to go with that Fleet which was already ready to the reliefe of Corfu The Pope confirming the preparation and union of these forces as a thing already certainly agreed upon would have the League to be presently published for the greater reputation thereof and to invite the Christian Princes to embrace it reserving the conclusion of the particular Articles to a better conveniency and till some orders were come from Spain This publication was made with great solemnity in Peter's Church Gaspero Contarini a Venetian Cardinall singing the Masse wherein he was assisted by the Pope and by the whole Colledge of Cardinalls which being done the Pope entertained the Emperour's Embassadour the Embassadour of Venice and the Venetian Cardinalls and Cardinall Santa Croce a Spaniard at dinner with him in his Palace The like publication was also solemnly made in Venice thanks being given to God by Orisons and Processions in all the Churches for this union of the Christian Princes against the Infidells To do somewhat in relation to this the Senate writ to their Generalls that they should leave the Captain of the Gulph to guard the places of Dalmatia with four Gallies and that they should go with the whole Fleet to Brandizzi They afterwards took many souldiers into pay to make good the promised number they created the Governours of the greater and of the bastard Gallies which were with all diligence put in order and it was resolved that when these should be out at sea they and all the other armed ships should be under the command of Bondumiero Captain of the Gallioune So in a short time all things were disposed of on the Venetians side so as the Fleet might go finde out the enemy But Andrea Doria having received orders and being desired both from Rome and Venice whilst he was yet at Naples to go to Brandizzo and joyne with the Venetian Fleet finding out many excuses sometimes that he must go to Marcelles against the French Fleet sometimes to Genua to recruit his Gallies with men and to provide for many things which he wanted would not tarry no not the least while there though Gasparo Basalu Consul for the Venetians at Naples did all he could to perswade him He oft-times told Doria of the importancy of the Island of Corfu which was now to be freed from danger and would make for the Emperour's service how great the glory and reputation was which he might hereby purchase He moreover minded him of his own particular obligation by his word so often given and promise made so oft to the Venetians which had made the Senate put such confidence in him as much to his honour they had consented that the Common-wealth's Fleet which was so potent and whereon the safety of her Dominions by sea did depend should be guided and commanded by him as supream Captain But Doria being nothing at all moved herewith said They should have accepted of his offer whilst there was an opportunity of suppressing Barbarossa when he passed with but part of his Fleet through the Channell of Corfu And presently after going with all his Gallies from Naples he steered his course towards Genua where when he should have given an account of all that had past to the Emperour he said He would expect new orders from Spain So as neither Letters from the Pope written by his own hand wherein he prest the same desires more fervently then before nor the Emperour's Embassadour who went in person to this purpose to Naples from Rome came time enough to do any good for he hoisted sail with such speed and resolution as if it had been to have escaped some great danger The Venetians were hereat very much troubled not onely for that they saw they had lost their hopes of beating the Turkish Fleet but because
they thought themselves deluded by the Imperialists vain promises Yet though Doria's departure and the newes that Barbarossa was about to enter the Gulph with 100 Gallies might have counselled them to revoke their order which they had given their Generalls of going with their Fleet to Brandizzo the Senate to shew their constancy in what they had once resolved and to preserve the reputation of their Fleet which they thought might be lessened very much if they should seem to depend so much upon Doria's counsells and actions after the businesse had been long and diversly discuss'd they resolved not to alter any part of their former orders but renued their desires to the Pope to give orders to the Count d' Anguilara of going with his Gallies belonging to the Church to Brandizzo according to the first designe Whilst these things were in treaty amongst the Christian Princes the Turks having conveyed 25000 men and 30 pieces of Artillery over into the Island of Corfu had built four Cavalliers about the Forts to equall those within and obviate their defence And the mean while they with barbarous cruelty destroyed the country cut up the Cedar and Olive plants burnt houses took cattle away and carried the men away prisoners Many of the inhabitants of the subburbs had with-drawn themselves into the Mandracchio to save themselves but not having wherewithall to be nourished nor to defend themselves from the rain which fell in great abundance at that time the most of them perished most miserably there Some few of them got into the Fort being drawn in with ropes The Castle of St. Angelo preserved many of the villages it being able by the situation thereof to defend them from the enemy But the Turks having begun their battery were aware that by reason of the great distance of place wherein they were bound to build their Cavalliers that they might fit themselves to the situation and keep themselves safe from the Cannon within their shot did little hurt or none and the Fleet being approached near the south-side of the Fort where la Purporella wanting and the walls were lower so as they hoped they might come nearer and do most good Barbarossa was with much losse beaten back and amongst other things had the Stem and Rudder of his own Gally shot off The first Bashaw went twice from Butrinto to the Island and comming even to the ditch of the Fort that he might the better discover the place at his return he told Soliman That the Fort was so seated and so defended as it would hardly be taken in a long time Wherefore he counselled Soliman to raise his Army and remove his Fleet whereinto a grievious sicknesse was got and great scarcity began to be in the Camp He told him how that winter drew on a very unseasonable time for that enterprise whereon the longer his men staid the more reputation would they lose if they must afterwards rise without effecting their desire That by reason of this enterprise and rash accidents his forces and thoughts had been diverted from more easie undertakings against the Emperour for which that warlick preparation was entended That therefore it being a thing inconsiderately undertaken he met not with that prosperous successe therein as was wont to wait upon the wise and generous counsells of the Ottaman Lords That therefore both the Army and the Fleet were best to return to Constantinople to refresh both the one and the other much weakened by severall inconveniencies to the end that they might prepare greater forces whereby to atchieve more certain glory the next year This was the first Bashaw Ajace's counsell yet to keep up reputation and feigning to have other ends and it may be out of envy to Barbarossa's glory desirous to keep him idle he sent for the Venetian Consul who was yet in the Camp and told him That if his Masters would make reparation for losses and injuries done to Soliman and behave themselves so as it might be made known that these things had not been done by any publick order or consent he would work it so that the Army and Fleet should rise from before Corfu and return to their former friendship and peace with his Masters Which words Ianusby the chief Interpreter affirmed to have been spoken by the knowledge and consent of Soliman as was soon seen The Consul being suffered to send a man of his to this purpose to Venice who was accompanied by two Chiausi and secured as far as Castel Nuovo And at the same time almost without expecting an answer Soliman and his Camp removed towards Constantinople and the Artillery Souldiers being embarcked the whole Fleet removed from Corfu where they had not staid above ten daies The whole country was destroyed the villages ruin'd and deserted the Turks having carried away 15000 men and made them slaves Pacsu an Island lying on the East of Corfu and not far distant from thence to which as it is said it was antiently joyned did undergo the like calamity as also Butrinto a maritime country of Albania just over against the Island of Corfu wherein was a Castle which fell into the Turks hands at the very first appearance of the Army Corfiatto who was Captain thereof having carried the keyes to Soliman's self from whom he received a golden garment and his liberty Barbarossa being gone with all the Fleet from Corfu made towards la Perevesa not being able to obtain leave of Soliman to tarry in those seas with 100 Gallies to commit piracy in the waters of Puglia and Sicily as was earnestly endeavoured by Brancardo Captain of 12 French Gallies who being just then come to the Turkish Fleet hoped by the favour of Barbarossa to accompany him to the prejudice of the Emperour It was thought that advertisment come to Soliman of no sleight commotions raised in the confines of Persia was the cause of his so suddain raising his Army for two daies before two Olachi came to the Camp with great diligence from thence and no occasion of their comming being divulged it was held for certain that they brought bad newes it being the custom of that Nation to publish and enlarge all things which may win them reputation and to conceal such things as may produce a contrary effect But really the great difficulties that were discovered in the enterprise and the reasons alledged by Aiace was the true cause of this change of resolution The Venetians were mightily rejoyced at the newes of Corfu's being freed from danger at that time when being abandoned by Doria and consequently deprived of all means of succouring it by their own Fleet the hopes of its defence lay onely in the strength of the scituation and in the defendants valour Nay it appeared that the Common-wealth and that Fort in particular would in the future win no little reputation by this the Turks so suddain departure who are not wont to give over any enterprise without the victory To so sad an age are we grown as
formerly been his own restored unto him with a particular declaration that the Empire of Constantinople should belong unto the Emperour without prejudice to the Common-wealth for what belonged to her to which likewise La Vallone and Castel-Nuovo should be reserved as things appertaining to her and that a fitting proportion of what should be gotten should be reserved by way of pre-eminency for the Apostolick Sea That in other things whereunto none of them pretended every one of the confederates should partake thereof according to the proportion of his expence in the war that if the Island of Rhodes should be recovered it should be restored to the Knights of Ierusalem There was no mention made of the King of England in these Capitulations but the Venetians thinking they might receive no little aid from this King who was master of many Forces and of great Authority sought by their Secretary Girollimo Zuccato then resident with him to make him favour the League and desired the Pope to do the like which he did But he thinking himselfe scandalized for not being particularly named in the Capitulations would not give ear thereunto but complained that he and his Kingdom were not taken into such consideration by the Colleagues as they ought to have been And for the King of France there appeared new signs every day that he had no minde to enter into the League wherein the increase of his Rival and perpetuall Enemy's forces and reputation the Emperour was treated on The League being concluded and established in manner aforesaid the Venetians ordered their General Capello that if the Turkish Fleet should come into the gulph he would tarry behinde in the Levant so as he might the easlier passe into Sicily or whithersoever he were to joyn with the Confederates Fleets This course was judged good to incourage those of the Levant and to indammage the Enemy according as occasion should serve and that they might not lessen the Garrisons 2000 foot were raised and forthwith sent to re-inforce the Fleet. Some were of opinion that the Generall should have free leave given him to do upon all occasions whatsoever he should think would be best for the Common-wealth They urged that since all accidents which might occur could not be fore-seen and according to which the Generall was to order his designs and to steer his course it was a dangerous thing to binde him up by Commissions and to force him to do what peradventure might be contrary to reason they instanced in the successes of the last year wherein the having given limited orders to Generall Pesaro had been the cause of great disorders which proved at last the breaking out into war Yet the consideration of not retarding the joyning of the Fleets prevail'd as also a certain indignity which as it was thought it would prove if the Generall should think of retreating as if he shun'd the Enemy and should therefore withdraw himselfe with his Gallies into the waters about the City whereby so great a preparation should prove vain But above all things they vvere very solicitous in providing monies whereby to supply their expences A Bank vvas therefore erected in the Exchequer wherein as many as vvould bring in any Monies into the publick Treasury vvere promised to be paid fourteen per cent during their life Much severity vvas used in calling in such Monies as were due to the Common-wealth Three other Commissaries were chosen for what should be borrowed Girollimo Marcello Bernardo Moro and Giulio Contarini but no use could as yet be made of the Clergies goods for though the Pope had transmuted the favour whereof he had before given so favourable an intention to the Senate to wit That he would permit them to alienate ten per cent of the Clergies Revenue till it should amount to a million of Gold or that they should raise it in five years space by so many Tenths of the same goods yet he had never given out his Briefs for either of these finding out severall excuses and delaies at such a pinch Many propositions were made for the raising of monies but the Senate proceeded with great respect and caution not to do any thing at this time which might peradventure lessen the peoples affection to the Common-wealth they would not therefore accept of the proposall of selling the Commons though much money might have been made thereby there being great store of them throughout the whole Terra ferma But for all this scarcity of money they spared not for any thing that was necessary for War victualls were provided from all parts and ammunition Ordnance were cast such Ladders Pick-axes Spades and other tools as the Duke of Urbine gave order for for Land-service were made in great abundance The Duke seemed very desirous to do great things in service to the Common-wealth and aspired to the obtaining immortall glory by war and truly the Senate confided very much in his worth and Loyalty in so much as the Pope threatning to make war upon his State by reason of his pretence to the Dukedom of Camerino as being held in fee-farm of the Church and which was then fallen to the Duke by the right of his wife the Senate dispatcht away one of their Secretaries speedily to Rome and obtain'd that the Duke should not be molested therein as long as he was imploy'd in the common service of the League or particularly by the Common-wealth He therefore caused two gallies to be prepared the one for himselfe to go in person to the Fleet the other for his Son to go in and chose his very good friend Barnard Sagredo one much esteemed of him by reason of his great experience at Sea to govern them the Senate being desirous to shew how acceptable this the Dukes good will was to them who had said he would bring his wife and family to live in Venice freely gave him one of the noblest Pallaces of the City but whilst he was carefully ordering all these affairs going to Pesaro to take order for his own particular businesse he fell into a great sicknesse which kept him from going to the Fleet. At the same time severall Negotiations were had of Peace between Caesar and the King of France both of them seeming to be desirous thereof to which purpose their Agents were forthwith sent to Canus a place between Parpignon and Narbonne but the whole time being spent in contentions no good came thereof For both these Princes Commissions were bounded and limitted in that very thing whereon all other resolutions did depend Cesar not giving way by any means to the restoring of the Dukedom of Millan not the King of France that any thing should be treated of the prime Article whereof should not be the restitution of that State Many things were propounded to bring these Princes to an Agreement chiefly the marriage between Mary Daughter to the King of Portugal lately dead and to the Queen then wife to Francis King of France and Neece to Cesar and
death all things being in a confusion they drew in the Turks by Ropes into the Fort. Barbarossa's selfe was so displeased with this barbarous and cruel act as in lieu of a reward which these Rascal 's hoped for he put them to death Barbarossa whose number of Vessels was much increased went afterwards to the Island of Candia to get prey and to attempt those Forts This was much suspected before it being generally bruited in Constantinople that they would this year attempt that Island wherefore the Senate had been very careful in providing it with all things necessary that it might be able to withand so powerful an Enemy They had sent many Souldiers Ammunition Victuals thither and to boot with the particular Magistrates had given the Government of all those Forts and of the Militia to Iohanni Moro whose valour and wisdom was highly esteemed He was made Commissary Generall and indow'd with extraordinary Authority The preservation of this Island was held by all men to be of great importance by reason of the noblenesse and riches thereof as having been the ancient seat of Kings producing plenty of choise Wines of Oyls and other things for the conveniency which it afforded of furnishing many Gallies speedily with men fit for Sea-affairs for many faire and safe Havens wherein the ships that traffick in the Levant are received and the Fleets which guard those Seas and moreover because there is therein a Colony of many noble Venetian Families who had habitations and large possessions given them in that Kingdom 330 years before Amongst other things the Commissary Generall was willed to incourage those Gentlemen in the name of the Common-wealth and the Cavaliers which are those who hold any thing in fee of the Signory of Venice to defend the Island and themselves promising them on the faith of the Senate that they should not want any possible aid He therefore assembling one day the Councell in the City of Candia which consists of all the Nobility of the Colony prepared them by an efficacious exhortation valiantly to expect the comming of the enemy If you said he wil wel consider the peacefulnesse of your present condition wherin you with quiet and honour enjoy so wealthy possessions the gratious aspect of the heavens which affords you such abundance and conveniency of all good things which grow here and which are brought hither from adjacent parts I am assured the consideration thereof would perswade you more then I by my words can do to use your utmost endeavours and not to spare any thing neither expence pains no not life it self to keep your selves and children from changing conditions from falling from the heighth of such prosperity into the depth of misery as it wil happen if this Island falling into the Turks power the very thought or mentioning whereof doth astonish me you be enforced either to live elsewhere and be deprived of this your country wherein you enjoy such wealth such conveniencies or else tarrying here to be subject to the tyranny of barbarous Infidells If you had no other tie to defend this Island a noble and prime member of the Common-wealth then what by these advantages you are obliged unto you neither could nor would refuse to do what you are bound to in respect both of your Ancestors and selves and what the service of our country doth challenge from the love whereof I do not believe this distance hath been able to divide you not being members cut off but true sharers in her honour and in all her fortune But since hereunto your own particular interest is inseparably joyned wherein you know the totall of all you have nay of your very being is concerned I shall not need to shew you the importancy of the cause in hand or incite you to make such provisions and seek for such remedies as may preserve you from such a danger I will onely therefore put you in minde that you suffer not your selves to be removed from that good resolution which I see is grounded in you by any fear which may make you lose your courage and abandon your selves I do not deny but that the enemies power is very great and so to be esteemed but I affirm it is not such as we ought to â—istrust being able to resist it and we may hope that we may reap praise and honour by their comming We hear for certain that though there be many souldiers in the enemies Fleets yet they want a sufficient train of artillery and many other things requisite for the taking in of cities so as we may believe that if they shall approach this our Island it is rather with an intention of pillage if they shall find us so negligent as to afford them occasion so to do then of making war and say they did intend it and were provided for it why should we believe that they would undertake a businesse which will require time when they shall see such Fleets of Christian confederate Princes upon the seas by which either their Fleet or some of their cities may be assaulted and fought with They have as much reason to think upon their own defence and preservation as of offending others I know and am commanded by the Senate to assure you that the preservation of this Kingdom and your safeties is had in very great consideration by them for which they will readily expose their Fleet and all their forces whereof the provisions already made for the good of this Island may be a sufficient testimony in the speed and expence whereof the Common-wealth hath not onely exceeded the opinion of others but hath gone beyond her self You then whose dangers and safties are most concerned and whose advantage is immediately treated of are so much the more bound not to leave any thing undone wherein your loyalty diligence charity towards both these your countries may appear Let every one vuy who shal help the common cause most with monies authority and with their persons and I assure my self we shall not onely avoid the greatest calamities but we shall preserve our country from the inroads and plunder of the enemy to our immortall glory and to our merit with the Common-wealth The Commissary had not fully ended his discourse when many of the Gentlemen rising up attested what he had said promised loyalty and some engaged themselves in generalities some in particular offers to employ all their power and industry in defending the Kingdom The Commissioner said the same things afterwards to the Cretensian Gentry and Commonalty encouraging all men to defend themselves So as with great cheerfulnesse and confidence of good successe they fell to make all necessary provisions Some Gallies were armed at the charge of particular men many men were sent for from their country-farms who having arms given them some of them were brought into the city to encrease the garrison of Italian Foot some placed in Corps de Guard upon passes and places of concernment to hinder the enemie's
listned willingly hereunto being the more desirous thereof that they might make the Enemy feel their forces which had hitherto been onely cause of great expence to the Common-wealth They were not a little herein incouraged by the Duke of Urbin who being made acquainted therewith did not only commend it but entring into more exalted thoughts proposed greater matters He said that if 5000 Dutch-foot were added to those Italians who were in Dalmatia and some Italian Horse to the Grecians and Stradiotti they might with these forces enter Bossina and make themselves Masters of some good Town which might make way for greater acquisitions that it was alwaies good counsell to carry the war home to the Enemies that there was onely a weak Garrison of 3000 horse in Bossina that if such occasions were let slip to what end did they continue war why such expence why all this adoe if they meant onely to defend themselves and that not without difficulty and danger that the fortune of war was alwaies doubtfull but he who will not hazard any thing undergoes a certain and voluntary prejudice This advice looked handsomely shewing generosity and hopes of Victory It was therefore resolved to raise the Dutch foot immediately to which purpose Constantino Cavazza was sent into Bavaria who was Secretary to the Consiglio di Pregadi who by the assistance of Duke Lodowick who was very affectionate to the Common-wealth quickly effected what he had in charge so as the souldiers having immediately received one-pay fell down into Friuli the mean while Camillo Orsino having assembled 4000 foot and 500 Horse out of the Garrisons of Dalmatia and some peeces of Artillery went into Obraazzo the taking whereof was of great consideration for thereby they bereaved the Turks of a place where they used to raise numbers of men to assault our Confines and for the advantage which might be made of many Woods in the neighbouring Country The Castle was neither very strong nor very well provided to make defence wherefore the enterprise was thought as easie as usefull It being therefore continually play'd upon for two days the third day the souldiers were led on to the assault where after some contest they entred but Orsino finding that it could not be fortified nor kept without much difficulty gave order for the demolishing thereof But the Turks being hereof advertised came upon our men so suddenly before they had quite slighted the Castle as giving the work over they left the place in the Enemies hands who suddenly repairing the ruines placed therein a strong Garrison Our men were so terrified at the unexpected comming of the Turks as retreating to the shore to imbarke themselves they were pursued by the Enemy and had been totally routed had not Camillo da Monte Napolitano making head against them entertained the Enemy and afforded our men opportunity of imbarking themselves this success as at first it gave great incouragement and hopes so the condition of affairs soon altering they thought not of prosecuting any other designs upon Nadino Laurana Clissa or Osâ—ravizza wherein greater difficulties were daily found Hereby those began to cool who had been forwardest in falling upon other enterprises in the Turkish Territories and the Duke of Urbin's selfe made many difficulties alleadging that those men which he had first demanded were not enough to take Towns and to guard the Country from the Enemie and that a greater number would require so much victuals as would not easily be come by they being to be brought by Land and through an Enemies Country They were therefore much troubled what to do the thing of it selfe was very advantageous and much to be desired but met every where with many difficulties The Dutch foot were already come very near many other things provided not without expence whereby the souldiers might be incouraged the Fleet lay idle if the Enemy were suffered to rest secure every where to what end should they still waste themselves in War but they that weighed the businesse more maturely alleadged That these ill grounded hopes were not answerable to the certain danger of drawing upon them the whole Turkish Armie and to bring them once more to the ruine of Dalmatia now that to our good fortune they were turned selâ—ewhere That it Would be better to imploy this time and these monies in fortifying the most important Towns and in securing them from those dangers which they were known to have been in formerly they not being sure but that the Enemy who were not gone far off might quickly return to assault them Besides would they give over thinking of their Fleet upon which since their greatest concernments did depend their chiefest care should be thereof and increasing the forces and reputation thereof as much as possibly they could And that since the slow proceedings in uniting the the Fleeâ—s shew'd how little they were to trust to the helpe of others they were to learn that by experience which reason could not perswade them to to wit That not being able solely of themselves to maintain the war and not being assisted by others as need required it would become them to treat of Peace to the procuring whereof how could the provoking the Turks by new injuries and the further incensing of Soliman with little or no hope of advantage conduce very much That the War proceeded so little prosperously as it was not to be doubted but that it was better to think of quenching this fire than of feeding it with fresh fuel These reasons prevailing with all men made them at last resolve to dismiss the Dutch foot giving them halfe a pay more and giving the Commanders better presents as well to keep fair with that Nation as also to avoid the danger of having the country plundered by military insolence now that they were within the confines of the Common-wealth This occasion being removed the Turks continued their way towards Hungary and those that were in the neighbouring Garrisons were quiet now that all the Towns were well munited so as Dalmatia might for a while hope for repose All mens eyes were now upon the success of the severall Fleets Barbarossa being gone from Candia kept about the Rivers of Nigrapont and the adjacent parts not attempting any thing having some jealousie of the Christian Fleets But Generall Capello having assembled a great many Gallies one Gallioun and several ships the Patriark Grimani being joyn'd with him with the Popes Gallies all things being now in readinesse waited the arrivall of the Spanish Fleet great hopes being dayly given out of its speedy comming but no such effect was seen the best season for action at Sea to the grief of all men and blame of many being lost The Emperour said he would forthwith send the thirty Neapolitan Gallies to Corfu which were at Messina and fifty ships with 3000 Spaniards with Don Ferrante Gonsaga aboord them who was then Vice-roy of Sicily who since the the Duke of Urbin could not by reason of his
to relieve those who should be in most need He ordered Antonio Doria who commanded the greater Vessels that going before the smaller gallies he should indeavour to get the winde of the Enemy to the end that he might fall upon them with a fore-wind and disordering them by his Artillery might weaken them and discourage them before they should come up to fight with our Gallies But the Turks on the other side indeavouring the same advantage laboured by all means possible to get before the Christian Fleet and by advantage of the winde to be the first that should fall on which Doria being early aware of made his Fleet bend towards land endeavouring to keep the enemy from getting that hand but the winde which had begun to blow soon failing it was very hard to observe these orders The smaller Gallies were imploy'd and much pestred in haling the greater Vessels yet they were all so fervent upon fighting as over coming all difficulties by their industry and labour the two greater Venetian Vessels the Gallioun commanded by Alessandro Bondulmiero and the Barza commanded by Nicolo Trivisavo were already got to the designed place which being excellently well provived of Artillery stood before all the squadrons like two strong Towers to sustain and break the first violence of the Enemy Barbarossa when he saw the ships make towards him before the winde slackned fearing lest he might be forc'd to fight with the great ships which was the thing he most desired to shun began as it is said to repent his being come out of the Gulph of Prevesa and there was so great a fear generally throughout the whole Turkish Fleet as many of the Turks began already to recommend themselves to the Christian slaves who were aboord their gallies Yet Barbarossa reassuming courage did whatsoever became a good Commander to do and thinking of nothing but battel sought to make what advantage he could both of time and place he labour'd chiefly to get to the head of the Island Santa Maura whereby shunning the incounter both of the ships and Galliouns he might wheel about and assault our Fleet on the back which being desirous to keep their greater and lesser Vessels joyn'd together had much adoe to change scituation without disorder He therefore ceased not to incourage his men both by perswasions and threats not to be affraid he laid before them the reward and punishment of their good and bad behaviours he told them there was no cause of fear that they were the same Musselmans who had ever been victorious in all Wars under the happy conduct of Soliman the Great and fortunate Prince against the Christians a people more wonted to wantonnesse than wars and to save themselves more by flight than by military valour that every mans last day of life was prefixt but the acquitting themselves thereof either with praise or dispraise depended upon their own wills that for his part he would not be wanting in any thing that belonged to a good Commander that the battel might be fought upon all advantage And truly all men thought that Barbarossa did that day whatsoever could be expected from a wise and valiant Commander and shewed himselfe greatly experienced in the Militia and at Sea For he did so dispose and order his Gallies as every one of their Captains knowing and observing his place as though the Fleet did many times wheel about in severall manners yet was it still well ordered and fitted for battels and ready to put on any whatsoever resolution The Turkish Fleet was divided into three parts Trabaâ—che commanded the right wing and Selecco the left both of them experienced and well reputed Commanders and who had carried themselves well in the late Wars in the middle was Barbarossa with the body of the Battle wherein were the greatest number of Gallies Traguti a famous Commander of the Pirats went before all the rest with a squadron of fly-boats some more nimble Gallies as it were to chalk out the way to the others and to begin first to molest the Enemy with his fleeter Vessels and therefore freeer from danger The Turks were it either by reason of the slow or irresolute advancing of our men or by their own diligence and good fortune the Sea being calm so as the greater Vessels could not make use of the wind did first possess the Land-shore which the Commanders of the League had first designed to do and being gotten into a very convenient station a good way off from our ships they stood a-front the Christian Fleet to observe her motions thinking themselves already safe since they saw the Confederates would not hazard a battle without the greater Vessels and to tow them further on being within sight of the Enemy was not without danger and required time and difficultie so as it seemed to be in their choice whether they would fight or no But Doria wheeling this mean while about the ships and being followed by all the fleeter Gallies kept not onely the Enemy but even his ovvn men long in doubt vvhat he vvould do Every one vvith their Provv turn'd upon the Enemy stood expecting when they should advance and begin the battel But through their so long delay and vvasting of time the Turks had leasure to retreat to an advantagious place and to avoid the battle Doria's design as he aftervvards affirmed vvas to deceive the Enemy who being doubtful vvhat he meant to doe he thought they would keep fast in that part of the Sea where they were and close together so as he having disposed of his Gallies in a long rank might take a larger bout and assault the Turkish Fleet on severall parts at one and the same time But Barbarossa being aware of his intention made more haste as hath been said to the Land-shore keeping the Prow or fore-Castle of his Gallies still turn'd upon our Fleet and still getting Rome-ward as far as he could from our greater ships During which time the Confederates Fleet to the wonder of all men standing as it were immovable idly looking upon the insulting Enemy and letting the opportunity slip Generall Capello and Grimani cry'd aloud Let us lose no more time let us not lose the hopes of a certain victory And Capello going about in a little Vessell incouraged to battel his words and courage were applauded by all and being come to the gallie where Doria was he said Sirs Let us charge the flying Enemies time occasion and the souldiers votes invite us thereunto the Victory is ours I will be the first that will fall on I expect nothing but command to begin the conflict Capello was an old man 73 years of age of a good aspect and comly personage stout minded and reverenced for his age and held to be very wise and well experienced in Sea-affairs which gave the greater authority to his advice and incouragement And truly all men were so very desirous to fight as nothing was heard but Fall on fall on Victory
their Fleet as being desirous to recover Castel Nuoâ—o rather by force then agreement Barbarossa was already gone forth with 150 sayl of several sorts of shipping and with a great train of Artillery and Beglâ—rbeg of Greece at the same time marched with a great many Horse to the taking of Castel Nuovo So the Turks not dissenting from agreement with the Venetians easily consented that the Truce should be prolonged with them alone for the month of September and set some of their ships that were deteyn'd at liberty and allowed more freedom to their Consulls and Merchants This Treaty being noysed abroad it was severally discourst of every where according to the diversity of mens judgements or rather of their affections Most men commended the Venetians for accommodating themselves to the times and to necessity indeavouring the safety of their state and affairs by agreement since they had try'd the way of Arms two years in vain with great expence and danger whereby their sincerity faith and reall intentions to the common good did sufficiently appear particularly the Pope said the Senate had done according to their ancient renown and wisdome proceeding according as the present condition of affairs did dictate and providing for the preservation of their State by such means as were permitted them He therefore would not arm his Gallies confessing that the joyning of the Fleets would do more harm then good disturbing on one side the Treaty of Peace and then doing no prejudice to the Enemy But because he intended to keep two Galleys armed for the defence of his maritime Coasts he desired them of the Senate who willing granted them Barbarossa this mean while steering on his course and being to enter into the Gulph the wonted difficulties arose Where the Common-wealths Fleet should keep To retreat would be dishonourable would infuse feare into their subjects and make them dispair would shew their weakness to the Turks and make them more insolent stand upon harder terms of agreement On the other side to keep at Corfu might afford occasion of meeting with the Turkish Fleet and raise new scandalls and might also make the Turks jealous that they would joyn with the Imperialists a thing which would be very unseasonable at this time and contrary to the intention of the already begun Treaty of Peace They had not as then above 65 Gallies in their Fleet which if they should keep all without the Gulph Dalmatia and the Gulph it selfe would be abandoned and if they should divide them all parts would be weak and in danger It was resolved notwithstanding that one of the Commissaries should come with 25 Gallies into the Gulph and that the other should tarry with the rest at Corfu hoping that if Barbarossa should advance the doubt of incountring him would cease and the Gallies from Candia would quickly arrive which being fifty in number and already on their way hoping to finde the Navigation safe by reason of the news that the plague was fallen into the Turkish Fleet so as it could not get from Nigraponte did afterwards return back hearing that Barbarossa was with his whole Fleet in the waters of Zante The Turks did no injurie to the Venetians in this their voyage Barbarossa affirming that he would keep Truce with them but that the Emperour not being therein comprehended he was not bound to keep from besieging Castel Nuovo which was possest and kept by the Imperialists but meeting with an armed Vessel which brought Souldiers and Victualls to Napoli di Romagna and Lorenzo Sanuto's person who went Consull to Napoli they did not any wayes molest them yet Commissay Contarini tarrying at Corfu with some few Gallies did for their greater security cause some Cable Ropes with their Anchors to be fastned to some Rafters wherewith securing so much of an Arm of the Sea as might receive his Gallies he provided against any sudden violence of the Enemy The Spaniards being affrighted at the comming of the Fleet and at the Turks great preparations began to consent to the putting of Castel Nuovo into the Venetians hands which they had formerly upon various pretences denyed to do which Proposition being made to the Senate they answered That the offer was now made out of season that they had oftentimes been earnest with them to observe their Capitulations whereby that Town was to have been delivered up to them that now when they had been inforc't by great necessity and had proceeded so far in the treaty of Peace it became them not to do any thing that might disturbe it Barbarossa this mean while pursuing his way came in the beginning of August with 90 Gallies and 30 fly-Boats to the Gulph of Catarro where casting Anchor so far off the Fort of Castel Nuovo as that he might not be offended by the Artillery thereof he landed his men safely and 80 pieces of Artillery of several sorts and Ulmana Sangiacco of that Province came thither almost at the same time with great store of Foot and Horse which incampt themselves about the Town the Enemy not being long able to hinder them though at first they sallyed boldly forth to disturbe their Works The Turks began to play upon the Town on three sides Barbarossa took the care of that battery which was on the North-side Ulamane ordered an other and Salecco attended on that which was toward the Sea so as by perpetuall shot they beat down the walls even to the ground and the Fort not being inviron'd with a ditch and therefore the Town which stands somewhat high being expos'd to the shot of Cannon when the walls were beaten down and wanting earth to make new Trenches the Houses were batter'd and beaten down so as no place in the Town being safe many Souldiers were slain and the Enemy meeting with but little opposition drew nearer the wall and possest themselves of a Bastion under which the Spaniards dispairing of all other means had made a mine but when they set fire unto this their last remedy it was so late in playing as the Turks had opportunity of escaping the danger and the ruins falling inwards slew many of the defendants The Spaniards had also made a mine in another part where they thought the assault would be most dangerous but the Turks being advertised thereof by a fugitive Souldier forbore approaching the place of danger wherefore the Souldiers being discouraged seeing all their labour and industry prove vain resolved to give over defending the Town and to retreat into the Castle the Captain Ario Maceno entering thereinto with some other Captains and with about 800 Souldiers But Captain Sarmento preferring a glorious though an assured death before a dishonourable uncertain hope of safety kept in the Town with some select companies of Souldiers where having for a while valiantly withstood the Enemy being at last over-born by their numbers he and all his souldiers were cut in pieces and those who were within the Fort considering they could not make long resistance against
so many men yielded not long after upon discretion Barbarossa having given them his word that their lives and liberties should be saved Yet as soon as they surrendred he made them all be put to the Oare alleadging that their persons belonging as prey to the Ianisaries he could not dispose of them otherwise so as of the 4000 Spaniards who had the custody of that place not one of them escaped away free some of them being slain some made slaves paying finally for the so many wickednesses which they had committed in their many years fighting in Italy and particularly when Rome was sackt Castel Nuovo being regain'd the Army marched towards Risano which was presently surrendred by the Keeper thereof Luigi Zane the Fort nor Garrison not being able to defend it Barbarossa had first demanded the restitution of that place from Iovan Matteo Bembo Governour of Cattaro with whom he had sought many occasions to turn his Forces upon Cattaro and after many complaints as that his fugitive slaves were therein received and other feigned things he laid aside all consideration of Truth and sent shamelesly to the Governour to deliver up Cattaro unto him or that otherwise he would take it by force having commission from Soliman to take that Fort and whatsoever else the Seignory possest upon those confines that therefore to avoid utter ruine he should by time provide for the safety of himselfe and of those people for he would give free leave to all that would to go from thence and would deal civilly with them who would continue and live under the Empire of the most happy Grand Seigneur But Bembo not at all terrified at this unexpected demand betook himselfe diligently to prepare for defence and to incourage the Citizens and Souldiers and return'd answer to Barbarossa that he himselfe did and all the world would wonder at this his demand which being contrary to reason must be believed to be contrary to Solimans mind who was wont to observe his word that therefore he deserved not to be listned unto and that therefore he did so much the more confide in the justice of his cause and that he should be able to defend that City which was committed to his charge by his Common-wealth To which Barbarossa returning no answer he made a squadron of his Gallies advance who rashly accosting the Fort wereby the Artillery beaten off with much prejudice Barbarossa coming on the second day with the rest of his Fleet was likewise beaten off and having landed many of his Foot at some distance from the Fort they who kept on the Mountains side being got very near the walls were so damnified and disordered by some pieces of Artillery from the Castel as they soon retreated to their Gallies And some of the Stradiotti and Harchabusiers on horse-back went out against the rest who marched towards that part of the Town where the Church and the Monastery of S. Francis stands and with whom Barbarossa's selfe came to discover the scituation slew many of them and forc'd the rest to fly and save themselves in the neighbouring mountains where the Horse could not pursue them Barbarossa having well viewed and considered the Fort and the defendants readinesse and therefore dispairing to gain it after having tarryed one day longer there without attempting any thing resolved to be gone and to return to the Gulphs mouth And before his departure being thereunto desired by Bembo he spoke with Ierollimâ— Cocco Master of a Ship sent to him to that purpose whom he civilly treated though contrary to the custome of that Nation he refused the Presents which he brought him At this meeting Barbarossa appeared to be friendly-minded saying that he was satisfied with having recovered the places which had been taken from the Grand Seigneur and that he intended to observe the Truce unlesse he should receive some order to the contrary from Constantinople whither he had sent an Olacco to give an account of what he had done things tending to the preservation of the honour of his Fleet and of the Army as if he had willingly quitted that enterprise and not out of dispair of successe Thus the Souldiers and the Artillery being imbarked and a good Garrison left in Castel Nuovo the Turkish Fleet departed from the Gulph of Cattaro on the 17th of August and it was believed that they were to go to Puglia to pillage those maritime parts being solicited so to do by Cantelmi one who was sent from the King of France to Constantinople and by the French Embassador who was aboord those Gallies yet Barbarossa being come to Vallona went streight from thence to Corfu where passing through the Channel he was by way of friendship saluted by Cannon-shot from the Fort and divers were sent to him from the Governours of the Town with refreshments and some vestures which he gratefully accepted and returned thanks for the present And Barbarossa often assured them that as he for certain accidents which had hapned had advised the undertaking of that War so now he would use his indeavours in procuring peace to which end he would go to Constantinople as soon as he could The Venetians were much troubled to hear of the taking of Castel Nuovo and of Barbarossa's attempt upon the Fort of Cattaro their Fleet being divided and fearing lest the Enemy growing more bold might make some other attempt upon their State When the Turks plaid upon Castel Nuovo Andrea Doria who was parted from Sicily went to Catopo from whence he sent word to Commissary Contâ—rini who was at Corfu that it was now a very fit time to fall upon the Enemy whilst having abandoned their Gallies they were busied in besieging Castel Nuovo wherefore he invited him to joyn their Fleets together To the which the Commissary that he might sift into his mind answering that he would be ready to relieve Castel Nuovo or to do any thing else if all their Forces might joyn safely with assured hopes of advantage Doria returned no answer at all nor did offer to attempt any thing of himself but stood retired in the Haven of Brandizzi in which time the Embassador Contarino came to Constantinople where he had Audience given him by the Grand Seigneur and whilst he was declaring his commission Soliman held still his hand upon his breast a sign as his men said of his being troubled but howsoever having given full hearing he told him He was welcome but as for the businesse said nothing but that according to custome he referred him to his Basshaws with whom when he met and began more particularly to unfold his Commission as soon as they heard any mention made of restoring the places which had been taken in this War they presently answered That not any mention must be made thereof that Soliman was mightily troubled for many accidents which had hapned but especially for the League made by the Common-wealth with the Emperour against him that therefore it would not onely be impossible to
come unto your ear which is That the assignment of this City and of the neighbour City Malvesia over to Soliman by the agreement made at Constantinople was a resolution put on by necessity not by choice You may have known upon many occasions but chiefly in these your last troubles wherein to assist you the Common-wealth readily exposed a great part of her Forces to great dangers what love she hath alwaies born unto you She hath furnisht you with Monies Souldiers and Victuals to keep you from falling into the hands of the Enemy who threatned to put you all unto the sword and to lay your City desolate Nothing hath been left undone to keep you her dear and well beloved subjects from falling into the power of others very great Fleets have been prepared immeasurable expences In fine for this cause the weight of an insupportable War hath been the longer sustain'd And what greater sign can the Common-wealth shew of the affection she bears you in the present condition of affairs and in this your afflicted Fortune then that which she now does by promising to give other convenient habitations where she might best to those who shall desire to go from hence to keep them in her protection to assist savour and nourish them It hath been said by wise men that that place ought to be truly thought a mans owns Country where a man can injoy any good And what is better and more to be desired than to live under the Goâ—vernment of a moderte and just Prince Fortune though never so averse hath not been able to bereave you of this You shall continue under the Dominion of the Common-wealth you shall have abodes allotted you in another Country where you may live though not so commodiously as here yet freer from the perpetuall fear and danger of the Turks to which it may be said you were continually exposed Many men being too numerous at home have of their own choice parted from thence and committing themselves to fortune have quitted their native Country to get new and uncertain habitations by force of Arms To have a safe and certain place of refuge in times of misery hath wont to be so great a consolation as greater prosperity hath often made men forget what was past 'T is true it had been more to be desired to have still lived in peace that the Enemy had never besieged this City that they had not set their minds upon subduing it or in such a case to have had Forces sufficient to repulse them and to revenge injuries But since neither of these hath been either in our power or in yours in the condition wherein we are what is there more to be done than for us to play the part of a good Prince and Pastor by keeping your persons in our protection since we are not able to carry away the walls and houses of this City and for you to rejoyce at this your Prince his affection and to accommodate your selves to Time and Necessity your persons shall be preserved your posterity educated and you valiant Fathers shall be get generous Children Who knows but that they may work your revenge Great is the vicissitude of worldly affairs and the greatest Empires are as well subject thereunto as other things Our Common-wealth will assuredly be alwaies ready to take up Arms against these Enemies when there shall be such an union amongst Christian Princes as it may behoped Christendom may reap good thereby Therefore as it is necessary so is it wisely and safely donne to seek to live and to hope for better things Whilst the General spoke tears fell from all the Auditors eyes occasioned no lesse through tendernesse of affection then through griefe The Generall used afterwards the like words with those of Malvesia whereupon the Inhabitants being a little comforted after the sorrow they suffered for so sad newes most of them prepared to be gone taking what they had of best along with them and soon after in November the Articles of Peace being confirm'd Commissary Contarini went to those shores with 20 Gallies and many other ships of severall sorts whereinto having taken all the Artillery Ammunition Goods Souldiers and persons of those Inhabitants who would depart He by Orders from Constantinople delivered up the keys of those two Cities to Cassin Basshaw of Morea who with some few entred the Towns and after our men were gone the Gates were opened and free entrance was given to the Soudliers who were there abouts Things being thus brought to a peacefull condition the Generall and the Commissary disarmed leaving out only the usuall number of Gallies to guard the Gulph and for the safety of Navigation But when Commissary Contarini came to Venice he was commanded by Pietro Mocenico Advocate for the Commons to come into the Advocate 's Court and give an account according to the Senate's Order three years before of what â—ad hapned at Puglia when he sunk the Turkish Galley but the businesse being argued in the Senate and Contarini's cause defended by many of the Senators the Advocates command was taken off and he freed of all fault the occasions being ceased which had made his fault appear the greater his worth remaining in him which had alwaies been commended by all men and his deserts increased by the service he had done during all this Warre Nicolo da Ponte pleaded amongst others in his defence who speaking often in the Senate began to be highly esteemed for his Eloquence and growing to greater dignity after many years imployment in the highest concerns of the Common-wealth is arrived at the Principalitie which he now worthily possesseth The year 1540. brought forth no other more noble accidents being memorable enough for the Peace made with the Turks wherein the Common-wealth prosperously continued for the space of thirty years her affairs in Terra forma being likewise quiet at the same time by her friendship with the Christian Princes so as I shall have but little to write of these times yet because the Senate being made acquainted with the chief businesses which past between the Christian Princes interposed her Counsel and Authority either in respect of her selfe or others I will relate in this my History such passages of these Times as do appear to me most memorable and for some concernments of the Common-wealth which I have undertook to write of The End of the Tenth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK XI THE CONTENTS THe hopes of peace and quietnesse soon vanisheth upon new accidents The death of the King of Hungary and Ferdinando's pretentions to the Kingdome Soliman distasted and War made by him upon the House of Austria New distastes between Caesar and the King of France The King of France is much troubled at the death of his Ambassadour Rincone What Caesar's designes appeared to be The Venetians resolve to be Newters They excuse themselves to the Pope for not granting him Vicenza for the Councill to be held in An
to increase some jealousies that were conceived of him that he as well as the other Italians did not approve of the Imperialists proceedings nor of Caesars own intentions Which suspicion was much increased by the new Fort which they built in Sienna which was commonly called the Ceppo or Stocks of Tuscany The Duke of Ferrara who as vassall to the Church ought to have proceeded with much circumspection following his own dependencies and passions did adhere sufficiently in his minde and in underhand-helps to the French faction Wherefore to keep those that were besieged in Parma from being relieved with victualls and other things from that side the Imperialists had taken Brisello and two other little Castles belonging to the Duke which stood upon those confines The Duke being much moved at these things sent his Embassadour Girolino Serofini to Venice to be advised by the Senate how to govern himself in these hard times and so sad occasions for he was resolved to walk in the same steps the Senate did and follow their wise counsels particularly in keeping himself Neuter but that he had not forces enough of himself to do so So as unlesse he should receive some assistance he feared he must be enforced for the preservation of his State to side with some one and to act contrary to his desire This was thought to be a piece of cunning whereby the French desired to spy into the Venetians intentions that they might draw them into some confederacy or at least discover somewhat more of their meanings Therefore the Senate thought fit to answer in very generall tearms That the Senate had ever desired above all things that the peace of Italy might be preserved to which purpose they had used severall endeavours both with the Pope and others as they saw needfull But since they could do no good thereby they would at least keep themselves in peace and in their former neutrality which that they might do with more honour and safety to the Common-wealth since the rest stood upon their Arms they were resolved to Arme also and by providing for their own affairs they would have respect to the preservation of the Duke's State out of the particular affection which they bore unto his person and for their own interest which by reason of the neighbourhood of their Dominions was almost inseparable from his The French not being satisfied with this answer thought to discover unto the Senate as it was already generally known their intentions of attempting some important novelty in Italy to which purpose the King had sent Luigi Alemanni to Genua to make that City upon severall pretences joyne with his faction and particularly that he might have the use of their Havens for his Fleet to put into and to land the men which he designed to send into Italy And Cardinall Tornone being then at Venice whither he had retired himself when together with the other French Cardinalls he was commanded by the Pope to depart from Rome he was ordered by King Henry to appear in the Colledge and in his name to acquaint the Doge and Senators With the condition of the affairs of Italy with the occasion which had moved him and with his intention to send his forces â—o assist Duke Octavio and to maintain his cause wherein he thought he did a generous act and what became a great Prince and which he thought would please all the Italian Princes since thereby he undertook the defence of a pettty Italian Prince who was unjustly oppress'd by others and who had had recourse to him for protection That he could not dream the Pope would have been displeased that a vassall of his should be preserved by the forces and assistance of another not being able of himself to defend himself and that he did much lesse believe but that the other Italian Princes would be pleased that Cesar 's greatnesse might be moderated and some bounds put to his vast desires which were bent as was clearly seen to thrust the weakest to the wall and to enslave all Italy That the act it self might testifie that his thoughts were bent upon nothing else since he was in a condition as not needing the City of Parma by his being possest of so many Cities in Piâ—mont he had opened his way to what he designed to do against the State of Millan But that â—ince he now understood his actions were otherwise interpreted he had resolved to give it over Yet he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate being so great and so wise a Potentate in Italy and upon whose authority the rest would finally depend would have that care and consideration of these commotions as many other of their important consequences did require That he did excuse what the Pope had done as actions rather of necessity then free-will being overcome with fear both by reason of Cesar 's so great power and of his so many armed men in Italy as also by the Councill already intimated out of weighty and dangerous designes the German Hereticks being to convene therein But that if he could be assured of the company and assistance of other Princes doubtlesly he would be of another minde for to sever himself from Cesar 's friendship in such a condition of affairs might be tearmed a regaining of his liberty The King was very much thank'd for these his overtures and counsells and his generosity in defending those that were the weakest and stood most in need of his assistance was commended and they hoped that by the Agreement wherein the Senate had already interceded with the Pope and which he seemed not to dissent from affairs might be quieted The King for all this did not forbear prosecuting the war though he could not according to his desire hope to meet with any that would receive or favour him therein in Italy except Duke Octavio Nay being now resolved to declare himself more openly against Cesar he sent more souldiers into Piemont and suddainly assaulted severall places that were guarded by Imperiall Garrisons some of which he quickly took and ordered that the Gallies which were forty in number commanded by the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro Strozzi and which roved upon the Seas might upon all occasions evill intreat the Imperiall vessells And it hapned soon after that Doria who as he was conveying Maximilian King of Bohemia and his wife in his Gallies past from Barcellona to Genua scaped narrowly being assaulted and fought with by the French Fleet whereof some Vessells which were behind were notwithstanding taken and carried to Marcelles But the League which the King of France negotiated with Duke Maurice of Saxony with Albertus Marquis of Brandenberg and with other Princes and Hans-Towns of Germany all of them unsatisfied though for differing occasions with Cesar was of much more moment some of them were highly incenst at the Lansgrave being detained prisoner contrary to Cesar's parole as some of those Princes affirmed and others were incited to novelties for fear
City had sent some of their men to perswade other Citizens who had retired themselves to certain narrow passages amidst the mountains and were free from being injur'd by the Turks that following their example they should discend into the plains and submit willingly unto the Turks it was resolved one night to send out 100 Horse and 400 Foot to fire that Hamlet whereof almost all the inhabitants to the number of above 400 were put to the sword Thus their treachery was severely punisht and by the terror thereof the desire of Novelty was curb'd in many of the Inhabitants by reason of the slavery wherein they were for the aforesaid causes so as it was clearly seen that hoping by change of Government to change their fortune they were not onely not likely to oppose the Enemy but rather to afford them all conveniency which inclination of theirs Mustafa sought by all possible means to nourish making many presents and greater promises to such as should come in unto him But the Turks pursuing their way without any obstacle drew near the walls of Nicessia and as soon as the Army was discovered by those that were within the Town they were all possest with infinite fear Nicolo Dandalo was then Governour of that City being made Lieutenant thereof by the Common-wealth a man of weak judgement to manage so weighty a businesse but who had that preferment put upon him out of an opinion conceived that though he was not very quick witted yet he was good at action by reason of the experience which he was believed to have gotten in severall imployments at Sea He having either lost his understanding through the extraordinary apprehension of danger or not knowing through his want of reason and understanding how to provide against so great an exigency increased the difficulties and danger for when the Enemies Fleet was arrived he had not got the Ditches to be fully emptied nor ordered the Militia nor those of the Country nor provided for sufficient victualls for the City To amend which disorders he was forced to commit greater a publick Edict was made that it should be lawfull for every one to take Corn wheresoever they could finde it which being brought into the City should be understood to be their own which being too late a remedy could not work the effect which was expected a good part thereof being left abroad in the Country houses with a double inconvenience to the Country-men by reason of the advantage the Enemy made thereof Moreover having with very little regard to the eminency of the danger dismist the meaner sort he in great haste and confusion sent for them back before they were got to their own homes and did at the same time list new Souldiers in the Country as the occasion and necessity did best dictate whilst our men opprest thus by many mischiefs spent their time in ordering their affairs and in advising how they might hinder or disturb the Enemies proceedings all resolutions being the longer in taking for want of any Chief-taine who might decide the diversity of opinions the Turks had leasure and opportunity given them to set up their Pavillions plant their Artillery and fortifie their Quarters not meeting with any disturbance save by shot from the Town For though the Stradiotti did often sally out wiâ—h some companies of Harchebugiers to skirmish yet not daring by reason of their small numbers to go further from the walls then they were sheltred by shot from the Town nor the enemy approaching so near as that they might be thereby prejudiced nothing of moment insued And Andrea Cortese Captain of the Stradiotti a bold and adventurous man being one day advanc'd a good way before his own men he was inviron'd by a great many of the Enemy and after having valiantly defended himselfe for a long while was slain The Turkish Army incampt themselves from Santa Marina to Aglangia possessing the whole space of ground which was opposite to four Bulworks and on the other side of the Fort whither the Campe reached not each Bashaw sent out 100 Horse and as many Foot so as the City being inviron'd on all sides could neither receive in nor send out any men Nicossia stands in the midst of the Island almost equally distant from the Northern and Southern shore and from the two utmost parts of the Island Baffo and Carpasso It abounds in fresh water is of an indifferent wholsome air being breath'd on by the pleasant South-west wind which inliven â—nd refresheth the Inhabitants when they are wearied and swâ—â—er'd with the immoderate heat of that Climate wherefore it was more inhabited then any other City of the Kingdom and this was the cause why the Island being to be secured by a Fort the Cyprians not valuing any other scituation concur'd all of them readily and liberally in contributing towards this so as this City was reduced into a Fort-Royall by the means of Francesco Barbaro Commissary of the Island and of Iulio Sâ—vorgnano the Governour to whom the Senate had committed the particular care thereof The Fort was of a circular form with eleven Bulworks whose Front was 75 paces and their shoulders thirty so as each of them was capable of 2000 foot and of four pieces of Cannon and they were so built as there being out-lets on every side the Souldiers might go shelter'd on all sides to the Counterscarpe but they were chiefly secured to the Plat-forms which were above 30 paces broad so as it was held by such as were professors of military discipline one of the fairest and best Fortifications that was in the world for as much as could be contributed by Art But as there was plenty of these things so was there scarcity of defendants for when Astore Baglione went from thence Colonell Roncone remained there with charge of the Communalty of the Island and of all the Italian Militia and some other Captains who though they had some experience in War and were ambitious of honour yet having but small Authority their advice profited but a little for they were either not listned to through the indiscretion of such as stood at the helm of Government or else accepted of with much dispute and difficulty and therefore but slowly and badly executed It was therefore resolved to send to Famagosta to desire Baglione that he himselfe would come to Nicossia and bring some Souldiers along with him but the Magistrates of that City thinking that they had not men enough to defend it and not being certain but that the Enemy might alter their minds so as they might have occasion to use them themselves they positively refused to part either with their men or with their Captain and Baglione making use of their Authority desired to be excused for that time adding that Martiningo's Souldiers having lost their Commander said absolutely that they would render obedience to none but to him so as his comming away might cause some great disorder in that City There were then in
prayers faith and firm resolution to forego your sins make you invincible when your sins being punished more by fear then pain you shall have time and reason to honour and praise the All-glorious God who shewing you onely the face of his anger in the fury of this barbarous Ottaman will have provided for your souls health and for your atchieving of heavenly blessings together with the preservation of your lives country and estates to the end that you may use all these hereafter to his glory who is the true and liberall Lord and the free giver of all grace The whole Auditory seemed much affected with these words so as they cheerfully comforted one another and preparing couragiously to defend themselves they betook themselves solicitously to all military actions to secure their Parapets to bestow their Companies in places of greatest danger and to guard their Bulwarks carefully The danger encreased daily as the enemy drew nearer for the Turks wanting neither for diligence nor industry were come with their Trenches very near the Ditch and by frequent Musquet shot playing upon those that were upon the walls kept them from appearing upon the Parapets Moreover they planted divers great Pieces towards the City on St. Marina's side whereby they did much prejudice to the houses not without great fear unto the people But that which gave the Commanders justest cause of fear was their stupendious earth-works which being made with great art and expedition severall Forts were seen within a few daies to be raised to such a height as the enemies standing thereupon might fight securely and upon great advantage and make use not onely of their Artillery against our men but of their Arrows and artificiall fire-works which being thrown over the walls and fastning upon wool-sacks whereof the Traverses were made destroyed those works depriving those within of those defences The difficulty grew the greater to the defendants for that being but a few they could hardly supply the duties which the defence of so many places required so as they were forced to keep from sending people abroad to molest the enemy lest they might add to their own difficulties Their chief hope lay in their Artillery which being well managed did disturb the enemies works Antonio dal Berentino a witty man and a well experienced Canonier did much good thereby to those of the Town But the City soon lost him and many others who were well verst in that affair for being shot by the enemies whereunto they were continually exposed most of them were slain So as the Turks brought on their Trenches so far as they came to the Counter-scarfe wherein making some breaches they at last entred the Ditch and having thereby made rampiers of earth whereby to defend themselves from the enemies shot they began to undermine the Bulworks with their Mat-hooks so as they soon made stairs whereby they might the more easily mount the Bulworks and climbing up thereby they began to make some little assaults upon the Bulworks Costanzo and Padacataro which were so called from the families of such Gentlemen as had had a particular care in building the Fort to see how they that were within would behave themselves And it so fell out as those who were upon the defence of Costanzo being surprised at unawares suffered themselves to be so charged as many of the Turks advancing very boldly got beyond the Parapets but Paolo dal Guasto and Andrea da Spelle falling upon them with their Companies the enemies were repulst much to their prejudice but not without the losse of many of our men particularly of Andrea who fighting valiantly amongst the foremost was slain This unexpected assault did so terrifie the defendants as many thought that if the Turks had seconded the first assailants with greater forces the City would have been lost But the eschewing of this danger gave them no better hopes for they could find no way to disturb the Turks works who labouring continually in the making of as it were severall Cawseys of earth twenty five foot broad which reached from their Trenches to the Breaches which as hath been laid was made in the Counterscarf and sheltring those waies on the sides with faggots and baskets fill'd with earth they prepared for greater and more secure assaults which if they were not timely opposed there was no way of safety left So as though it was a hard and dubious thing to expose the best of their few good souldiers to so great danger yet no better exigency appearing they resolved upon that course at last which had been severall times before refused Cesare Piovine an Italian Count Rocas his Lievtenant sallied therefore out of the Town with part of the Italian Foot and with the Horse intending to fight the enemies Trenches and their Forts to clog their Artillery and to destroy or at least to do what mischief he could to their works which resolution was very welcome to the souldiers who were impatient to see themselves daily wasted and the utmost of dangers to draw nigh without making any triall of themselves or taking revenge upon the enemie But this generous action being perhaps too lately attempted and then too precipitously pursued wrought not the good effect which was hoped for nor which the happy beginning promised wherein Piovine boldly advancing took two of the enemies Forts and slew almost all that were within them who being sweltered with the extream heat for it was at full noon when our men assaulted them and being free from any apprehension had laid aside their Arms and were fallen asleep But Piovene's souldiers according to the abusive custom of our Militia gave over pursuing the victory and fell to pillage which disorder became afterwards the greater because the Grecians and Albaneses having too early advanced with their Horse to assault the enemies Trenches were it either for that vying with the Italians for valour they would be the first that should appear in that action or that they were not well pleased to be commanded by Piovinâ— they by this their unseasonable haste made those of the Camp too soon acquainted with their comming so as many Turks hasting thither they easily made our men run who were divided and busied about plunder But Piovine together with Count Alberto and Iovan Battista de Fano tarrying with some few of their men to defend the Fort which they had taken after a long and stout withstanding the enemies comming stil in in great numbers were cut in pieces These valiant men were encouraged to make this defence out of hopes of being soon assisted by those from within the usuall signe of succour being already given between them But because the Turks who upon the notice of our mens comming out were assembled together in great numbers and making use of this occasion prepared to assault the Bulwark Costanzo as they did afterwards Count Tripoli who had the keeping thereof was forc'd to stay Captain Gregorio Panteo who was appointed to go forth with the
should remain in him who should be declared Captain-Generall of the League which should be Don John of Austria and in his absence Mark Antonio Colonna with the like Authority though he should at the same time retain the name and quality of Generall of the Church That it might be lawfull for Maximilian of Austria the Emperour Elect for the King of France and for the King of Portugall to joyn in this Confederacy and that all the Colleagues should use their uttermost endeavours to perswade them and the other Christian Princes to do so And in case of addition of any other Confedederates it was to be understood that what proportion of expence they should be at should go to the augmenting of the Forces of the League No particular mention was made of dividing such places as should be gotten but it was refer'd to what was exprest and declared in the Articles of the League in the year 37 if any difference should fall out between the Confederates the Pope should be the Arbitrator and Iudge so as that should be no breach of the Confederacy nor any impediment in the execution of what was established therein These Articles being sworn unto as hath been said and afterwards signed and sealed by the Embassadours were ratified by the same Princes within the appointed four moneths But because the Confederates were not bound to the observancy of these things till the next year there was another writing stipulated apart wherein these things were particularly contained which were to be done this year to wit That 80 Gallies and 20 Ships ought to be at Ottranto by the moneth of May to joyn with the Venetian Fleet Those of the Pope Savoy nor Malta not being therein comprehended And because a difficulty arose touching the satisfaction to be given to the Venetians towards the expences pretended unto for having more Gallies than by the covenant they were bound unto It was declared in the same writing that the Pope was to be judge thereof who was notwithstanding to determine particularly that their debt being known it should be made good out of what they ought or should owe to the King of Spain for Corn either formerly had or to be had hereafter the price whereof should be rated by the Pope who took upon him likewise though it was not expresly mentioned in the Writing to determine what satisfaction should be given to the Venetians for their pretences of charge for great numbers of Foot which they maintained in his Sea-Forts more then the Garrisons of those places to make use of them either in the Fleet or otherwise against the enemie as occasion shall serve At the same time that these Treaties of League and Peace were discussing in Venice wherein there was some difference in opinions they all agreed and were very diligent in providing for war It was resolved that 25 Gallies should be set out which should have for their Governours Venetian Gentlemen not onely of the Venetian Nobles but many of those of the Cities of Terra Ferma to the end that in the common cause all might be partakers as well of honours as of dangers and troubles and because their greatest want was of men by reason of the great mortality and the apprehension which was had thereof safe conduct was granted to the Banditi of the Common-wealth to come and serve in the Gallies either as Mariners or Souldiers and all Gentlemen of the Country who would come willingly to that service were exempted from any personall penalties for four years 2000 to serve in Gallies were likewise ordered from the Cities of the Terra Ferma though this tax was formerly wont to be laid onely upon the Country Souldiers were also brought from forrain parts to recruit the Sea Garrisons and for the service of the Fleet. And that nothing might be wanting to try the fortune of war again a new Generall being already chosen as hath been said they would also change the two Commissaries Quirini Captain of the Gulph was chosen in the place of Celsi and Trono Captain of the Ships in Canale's place But he dying at the same time Canale continued in his place Quirini was succeeded in his place of Captain of the Gulph by Trono who was then in the Fleet. Iovanni Venâ—ramini Iov Contarini were afterwards made purveyors who were to have particular care of the publick Monies and of all that was to be delivered out in the Fleet. This mean while Commissary Barbarigo having made haste from Venice was come to Corfu where the Fleet then was as hath been said to whom according to the order of the Senate the Government was assigned over by Generall Zanne But he held it but for a few dayes for Veniero hearing whilst he was in Candia of his election left such orders as he thought convenient for the arming of the Gallies of that Island and suddenly began his journey and comming to Corfu in the beginning of April took solemnly the place and dignity of Generall upon him When Generall Zanne returned to Venice there were many faults laid to his charge and as it often falls out upon such occasions the cause of the bad successes occasioned for the most part from bad seasons and for many almost inseparable accidents were attributed to his negligence and want of experience and whereas a kind of happy Genius had formerly made all his actions be commended and admired whereby it was thought that the publick affairs recommended to his charge should have good successe as he was thought to have been very fortunate in his private condition by reason of his Honour wealth and Children and for that he had twice before been Generall and so succesfull therein as all troubles and dangers ceased as it were with his election so now these so many adversities were taken from off the publick score and laid to his private misfortune Being thus accused of these faults he dyed two years after before he could justifie himself proving the saying true that No man can be said to be happy before his end The affairs of Cyprus and preservation of Famagosta whereupon the hopes of other events did depend were not at this time forgotten but as soon as the season would permit Antonio Quirini who being taken from the Government of Candia had this charge committed to him after Trono's decease departed with four Ships to carry the succour formerly ordered for Famagosta Which that it might the more safely arrive 12 Gallies were given for a convoy to the ships for it was heard that the Turks lay with some Gallies about the Island to hinder the supply Marco Quirini went with his Admirall along with this Convoy who to boot with guarding the succour had the opportunity of doing an honourable action for as he came to Famagosta he made the Ships advance within sight of the Enemy who were in Costanza and lay with his Gallies concealed near Land and seeing seven of the Enemies Gallies come forth to assault our
endeavours have still been to raise a great force wherewith to put a speedy end to the war VVhat effects have ensued thereupon and for what reasons is sufficiently declared by the necessity and dangers which we are in Our hopes now if â—e do weigh them arighâ— are changed into fear of being rained by a powerful Empire which for the extent thereof and orderly Militiâ— is â—pt to maintain war long VVhy should any one doubt then but that we should listen to proposals of peace made and propounded by the chief Bashaw to our Consul as we have been informed by many of his Letters since we have in vain indeavoured to secure Candia and our other Dominions by other wayes wherefore shall we not use that course which is afforded us of fâ—eeing our selves from the present eminent dangers we are in VVe know that Bashaw Mehemet as one that hath alwaies been desirous of peace laying the doubtfull event of war before Selino hath made him giue way to agreement from which he seemed to be at first much averse If we let slip this occasion truly for my part I fear we shall hereafter desire it in vain and that our affairs will lie long flâ—ting before they will be brought into the Haven and to our former condition of Tranquillity for which we were peradventure more to be envied by other Princes than we had reason to envy them who were invironed with so many troubles and dangers VVho would ever have imagined that the Turks would have been able to put together a new and so powerfull a Fleet the very next year after so great a â—out as they should dare to put to Sea therewith to defend their Rivers and yet we see they have done that with ease which was by all men thought impossible They haue put to Sea have much prejudiced our Dominions they have faced our Fleet defended all their own Territories and are safely returned with their whole Fleet unto Constantinople VVhat greater proof can we have of their power What more certain tokens of the next years successes if after having been so beaten they have resumed so much courage and been able to put together so great Forces we may very well imagine what they will dare and what they will be able to do after having had so long time to recruit themselves and having in a large manner recovered their former reputation and greatnesse But let them who are of a contrary opinion say I beseech you if the Turks shall come forth the next year so powerfull to our prejudice both by Sea and by Land too as some affirm and that the King of Spain moved by some more particular important respects of his own by reason of jealousies which he may have of the French or Germans which is already spoken of or that for any other such occasion he resolve to imploy his Forces destin'd for the service of the League for the safety of Flanders as he did the last year or if he shall purpose to effect his old and chief design about the businesse of Africa which as we know all is the thing chiefliest desired by the Spaniards and which we may have just reason to apprehend by his not suffering his Fleet â—o winter in the Levant how shall we be able to defend Candia Corfu and our other more important places against so eminent danger whilst we relie upon one who is not stedfast in his resolution of adhering unto us so as by vainly trusting to such a leaning-stock our forces shall become the weaker and lesse able to with-stand the enemy or to do any thing against them When they shall besiege our Islands play upon our Forts we shall then send our Embassadors to Spain Portugall and Germany vainly imploring and soliciting the assistance of other Princes acquainting them with their own and our dangers which they value but little as we did the late years And our enemies when they shall see â—s deserted by our friends and not resolved what to do our selves will become more insolent than yet they have been will scorn all conditions of agreement and that which we now refuse being offered shall not be listned â—nto nor granted when it is propounded by us My opinion then Gentlemen is that the occasion of achieving more generous and noble ends as might with reason have been hoped for after so famous a victory being to the great mis-fortune of our selves and of all Christendom let slip we may at least reap thereby what advantage we may to the end that all our dangers rest not wholly unrewarded nor that the blood of so many of our well deserving citisens be shed in vain We ought not to recommit the total of our Fortune for any slight cause to the uncertain event of Battel and experience teacheth us that we ought not to hope for any great enterprises Let us then be rationall let us free our selves as soon as we can from the Dominion of fortune and let us let this maligne influence of the Heavens which doth but badly befriend our Common-wealth passe over Nor ought this to be a badge of infamy to us to the world nor unsatisfactory to the Confederates Our actions have been too evident our good wills therein have been sufficiently seen therein by all men none can deny but that we have readily concur'd to the observancy of the League that we have desired solicited and indeavoured the suppression of the enemy and to make good use of victory But since all our indeavours prove vain who can blame us if being advised thereunto by reason or rather compelled by necessity we have thought upon securing our Dominions by peace as well as the Spaniards indeavoured to secure theirs the last year by detaining their Fleet which by the Articles of the League was destin'd to the common service in the Levant These our just reasons are known to all men the Spaniards themselves know not how to gain-say them nay as we have been lately informed a State Minister of the Kings seeming to have some jealousie of this Treaty said the King would not be displeased that the Common-wealth of Venice to the preservation and dignity whereof he had alwaies been a well-wisher as all Christian Princes ought to be for the good of Christendom should treat with the Turks of peace upon honourable conditions And say that this peace which shall now be established be not likely to be of any long security to us through the enemies perâ—idiousnesse we may notwithstanding get advantage of time by it a thing very seasonable in doubtfull and dangerous accidents and which alwayes ought to be indeavoured by those that are weakest for humane things are govern'd with much of change and not onely mens opinions are seen to be altered in a short time but the whole state and condition of the most important affairs Let us now indeavour to find out some remedy for our instant dangers God who hath alwaies taken this Common-wealth into his particular
Cardinalls imagining that by so doing they might please both the Pope and the Spaniards for which they daily expected thanks and remuneration would aggravate the businesse more then they themselves believed it deserved to be But the Catholick King who was accustomed to govern and knew by experience how very rationall it is in Princes to desire that their Dominions may be preserved by wisdom and moderation not being at all troubled at the newes that peace was concluded seemed not to be displeased with what the Common-wealth had done for her own interests saying That assuredly they must be weighty and important occasions which had moved the Venetians to put on such a resolution And that as he had been ready to lend his forces to the service of Christendome and particularly to the good of the Common-wealth so he did assure himself that they being sensible of his good-will by his actions would do the like to him when occasion should require it And the Spaniards generally both in the Court of Rome and in Spain using much moderation made no outward shew either of dislike nor resentment Some said They were rather sorry for the occasion which had necessitated the making peace then for the peace it self They confest that those respects which had perswaded to this resolution must have been very great but not so well known to them by reason of the distance of their Dominions and of their Kings power And the Spanish Embassadour who was at Rome understanding that the Embassadour who was chosen to go to Constantinople to confirm the Capitulations was not yet gone from Venice propounded new endeavours to enliven the League This way of proceeding regulated by the reason of interest not of affection was much wondered at as a thing but little known or practised by Italians Wherefore some said that the Spaniards were thus moderate lest by blaming the Venetians they might provoke them to justifie themselves by complaining of the actions of the Colleagues the last years past Others said That though they had lost the advantage of the League for that time they would not forego the friendship of the Common-wealth for ever which they might make use of upon other occasions But it may be the truest cause was that following therein their naturall custom of maintaining their dignity it became them not to value much the dissolution of the League as if they were not sufficient of themselves to give a just counterpoise to the Turkish forces But the Pope continued still unsatisfied Wherefore the Venetians not being willing to be held contumacious resolved to send an expresse Embassadour to Rome that the Pope might be the more easily pacified and admit of their true justifications by this signe of their reverence and respect Nicolo da Ponte was chosen for this employment a man of reverend years and of great esteem and authority in the Common-wealth being a Procurator of St. Marks This man going speedily to Rome and having obtained audience of the Pope shewed him that the Common-wealth had just cause to accept of the peace which was offered by the Turks That all their territories by sea were exposed to very great danger by reason of the enemies many preparations made to offend them and through the slow proceedings of their friends and confederates to defend them That the weight of this war was become so grievous by reason of the expences which the Common-wealth had been at for the space of three years and through the many inconveniences whereby her subjects were prejudiced as it became now unsupportable That as long as the hopes of prosperous successe and of future quiet did keep up their hearts in the bitternesse of war and did a little consolate the present evills the Venetians had out-done what they were bound to by their Articles in providing for war â—nd exceeded their abilities But that the best occasions being now unseasonably let slip what reason had they to continue at such expences and dangers since it was now clearly known that the Common-wealth could not preserve her Dominions better then by peace That the Pope should be well pleased it being for the common service of Christendom that accommodating her self to the times she should temporise with so powerfull an enemy that she might employ the remainder of her forces upon some other seasonable occasion for the good of Christendom and of the Church as she had so often formerly done That in this respect Paul the third when he knew that it was in vain to take up arms against Soliman did himself exhort the Venetians to make peace though they had the same obligations of League upon them as they had now That the Senate did not communicate this their resolution to their considerates out of just and sitting respects governing it self by that rule by which all other States govern themselves and by which the Catholick King a powerfull Prince had walked For that he might not break the League unnecessitated if the condition of affairs should alter as they did and not to seem to distrust his forces whereby to encourage his enemies He did not acquaint the Venetians with the reasons which moved him to keep back his Fleet nor did any thing but the effect it self discover his intentions and the jealousies which he had of the French That it became the Venetians to do the like now who at the beginning of the treaty of peace which was as then doubtfull and uncertain basarded the losse of the uncertain advantage of the League and of encountring many inconveniences in following that advice which reason did dictate unto them or rather necessity though it might be more truly said that peace was much nearer being concluded then was imagined it being thought that an Embassadour was to be sent expresly for that end to Constantinople as had been done formerly and that such resolutions might be communicated in fitting time But that that which was much desired and much to be desired being proffer'd it ought not to be refused or deferred for any respect whatsoever the dammage not being to be repaired by any mediation which any delay though never so short might occasion in a businesse of such importance they being to treat with a barbarous Nation insolent and full of jealousies That they had also considered that to advise in a thing which was judged by those that demanded counsell not to be avoided seemed to be unseasonable and to no purpose the rather for that it would not have been lawfull for the Pope though he had known the true reasons which had caused the Venetians to make peace to disswade them from it or to hinder it nor would the place which he held permit him to advise or give way thereunto So as since their occasions forc'd them to act contrary to his declared will and not to be governed by his exhortations their offence would have been made the greater That lesser evill was occasioned hereby since he knew nothing of the treaty of peace before
calamities caused by us and for the glory of the Ottaman Empire We ought assuredly to be confident therefore that fortune which doth accompany the valour of our Nation and which is alwaies a friend to this happy Empire hath suffered it to receive this one blow not to imbase it but that by governing it self well in adversity and shewing the excellency of its orders and its souldiers worth it may rise to greater glory These reasons are sufficient to make you applaud and embrace this my proposall certainly a generous longing to revenge the injuries received from these insolent and ignoble Enemies and to recover that reputation which they boast they have berest us of scorning reviling and dispising us as if by one bare victory they had quite overthrown the powerfull Ottaman Empire must be of some force with military men He who doth not resent these things merits not the name of a Souldier but methinks I see you all so inflamed with desire of carrying the Fleet from out this Haven and so full of good hopes as prosperous successe must needs accompany us Therefore let us without any further delay put our Gallies in order and not suffer the Enemy to prevent our designs Uluzzali accompanying these his words with action made all things fitting be immediately prepared and sayled towards Cape Malio In this interim two of the Gallies which were sent out to that purpose brought word to our Fleet which was already gotten to the Island of Cerigo that Uluzzali was with about 200 sayl under Malvasia This news being come it being thought that since the enemy was so near they could not without going lesse in honour pretermit the opportunity which was given them of finding them out and of offering them battel the three Generalls did joyntly resolve to steere their course toward Cape Malio and that when they should come within sight of the Enemy they should advance and present them battel This advice being followed the Fleet came to the head of the Island Cerigo to the place called le Dragoniere that they might be the nearer Cape Malio the better to observe the proceedings of the enemy and make use of any occasion that should be offered For they could not design to assault them in a place of safety where they were strong as well for the shot that might be made at our Gallies out of the Castle of Malvasia as also for the difficulty they should have of bringing the greater Vessels thither and in ordering them wherein our chiefest hopes of victory lay if the enemy ought to be fought with Whilst they were in this place the Turkish Fleet was discovered on the seventh day of August in the morning by the guards which were placed upon the Mountain which Fleet being already past the point of Cape Malio a Promontory of Morea anciently called Malea and following the coast of the Vatica sayled towards the channell of Cerigo which way of theirs not being above ten miles from our Fleet it was thought they advanced with an intention of fighting which our Generalls hearing they caused the sign of battel be given to the whole Fleet by the sound of Trumpet and by setting up their standards in their gallies being very diligent in disposing of all things in ordering their squadrons and in making the ships and greater gallies advance forward that they might withstand the first incounter of the Enemy And though a contrary winde began to blow a little from the North the whole greater Fleet was by force of towing brought to the place designed and very well disposed of In which order the Fleet being come from fortâ— the Rocks of the Dragoniere it sayled towards the coast of Cape Malio taking a fitting place to present battel to the Enemy who at the first seemed not as if they would refuse it But as soon as the Fleets drew nearer were it either that the Enemy thought the number of our Vessels to be more which being distended in good order took up a great space and made a terrible shew of Battel or that the Enemy were terrified at the courage of our men if it be not truer that Uluzzali had neither Commission nor mind to fight seeming onely to desire it that he might gain reputation altering their course they made towards the Island de Cervi which is a Rock not far from that Promontory from whence they were last come and sayling in a close order and drawing still nearer Land they went further off from our men which it was thought Uluzzali did for that being an excellent Marriner he would stay for a western winde which usually in that season blows in those parts that so he might afterwards have the advantage of a fore-wind to assault our Fleet Which the Commanders of the Christian Fleet fore-seeing they designed that their ships which lay over against the great gallies on the left hand as soon as the enemies gallies should be past by they should hoist all their sails and assault the Enemy with a â—ore-winde But the winde blowing at South-East Uluzzali was forc'd to take an other course and making towards the Western point of the Island of Câ—rigo he crost the channell which runs between the Islands of Cervi and Cerigo So as the one end of his Fleet reaching to Cerigo and the other to Cervi it inclosed all that space of Sea which is about ten miles in length and turning their fore-Castles towards our Fleet they stood expecting it having put themselves in order for battel in three great squadrons all of an equall number of Vessels which delay of the Enemy made much for the advantage of our men for they had thereby opportunity to order themselves the better so as the wind becomming good afterwards they made forward with the whole Fleet to assault the Enemy And they were already come so near as they made many shot at each other it being undoubtedly thought that the battel would be that day fought and that that action would decide what the fortune and end of the whole War would be But the winde beginning to slacken our men could not advance without severing the greater Vessels from the lesse and so part from their first firm resolution And on the other side Uluzzali keeping constant to his opinion not to come near the Ships nor Galliasses stir'd not from the place where he was There were then in the Turkish Fleet above 200 sayl of which 160 well armed Gallies very yare and fit for action the rest were lesser Vessels mixt together with the Gallies in the battel and in each wing There were not above 127 small gallies in the Christian Fleet but they had six Galliasses and 22 Ships excellently well man'd and furnisht with Artillery so as each Fleet exceeding the other in some kind and comming short in some other the Fleets were justly counterpoised This advantage and disadvantage being very well known to both parties vvas the cause why the Fleets though they vvere so
near did not joyn Battel since the greatest and most certain hope of victory was reduced to industry and to indeavouring to draw each other to fight upon the advantage of such forces wherein each did exceed the other Uluzzali indeavoured therefore by severall means to shun incountring with the greater Vessels and to deprive the lesser Gallies of their assistance and taking the advantage of the Lee-shore he intended for as much as vvas conceived to keep himselfe from shot of the greater Vessels and to assault our left wing either on the Poop or Flank But Commissary Canale who commanded that wing preventing him blockt up the passage and deprived him of that opportunity Wherefore Uluzzali trying to work his intent by some other means commanded 25 of his yarer gallies to go from the part that was nearest the Island of Cervi and to assault our right Wing which was commanded by our Commissary Generall hoping to disorder it and by drawing other of our gallies to defend it to engage all our lesser gallies in fight far from the ships and galleasses which being totally becalmed lay unmoveable But Commissary Soranzo resolving valiantly to withstand those that came to assault him before they should be come nearer him repuls'd them by frequent shot and making them retire towards their other Squadrons began to pursue them close and to endanger them and was followed by the Fleet but they were forc'd to proceed slowly by reason of so much towing So as many hours being spent and our men not being able to advance faster with their joynt forces and the enemy not willing to accost them before he had divided them when the Sun began to set Uluzzali secured by the comming on of night and by the great smoak of the Artillery began to make his gallies be towed back by little and little yet turning their Prowes but at last he took the advantage of the point of the Island Cerigo and turning his Prow he launch'd out into the sea and got quite out of the sight of our men and out of danger our men not being able to follow them any further by reason of the slownesse of towing and of the wearinesse of their men nor could they well discern then what course he took as well by reason of the obscurity of night as also by a stratagem which he used in his flight having sent one Gally with a light in the lant-horn quite another way than whither he went with his whole Fleet to make it be believed that he was gone the same way But the next morning the enemy was kend to be towards Brazzo di Maina Our men having kept the most part of that night at sea went to the North Cape of the Island of Cerigo to take in water and to afford some rest to their wearied Rowers where having tarried that day and part of the next for they understood by their Guards from land that the enemies Fleet was discovered to be not far off they speedily embarcked their men and went to where they heard the Turkish Fleet was which not being to be found any where that day our Fleet kept all that night at sea in very good order But on the tenth of August the enemy were discovered to be upon the Cape Matapan who keeping their Gallies with their Forecastles towards land kept about the coast on both sides the Cape Uluzzali seeing himself found out by our Fleet gave warning by shot of Cannon to his Gallies which lay furthest off to come closer together and suddenly put himself in order being especially cautious not to put himself in such a place as he might be forced to fight with our greater vessells wherefore he took a great circuit keeping his two wings half a mile distant from the body of the Battle wherein he kept in the midst He faced our Fleet which came towards him in somewhat a closer order expecting that our Generalls allured by hopes of an easie victory should pass forwards beyond their ships and galliasses to fight his Squadron whilst it was divided and severed from his other gallies And in the mean while the two Wings of the enemy taking a large compasse seemed as if they would encompasse our men and assault them on the back out of danger of our greater vessells so as they should not be able to assist our Generalls if they should come to conflict with their middle Squadron Which designe being found out by our Commanders orders were forthwith sent to those that were in both the Wings that observing vigilantly what course the enemy should steer keeping their Forecastles stil turned towards them they should not suffer them to passe beyond our Fleet. Thus each Fleet facing the other alwaies in all parts they were already come within Canon-shot At this so great a pinch Generall Foscherini being ambitious of praise and of doing somewhat which might be answerable to the opinion of his conceived gallantry took a small boat going sometimes to one place sometimes to another and endeavouring to be every where he ordered commanded provided for all things necessary He desired the governours and captains of the gallies to be carefull of themselves and to remember the last year's happy successe saying That these were those very enemies who not many months ago were with so much glory overcome by them in Battle nay that they were the poorest and least couragious amongst them for all the ablesâ— and most generous were slain in the last Battle and those that escaped were full of fears That the very reputation of the late victory would assuredly be sufficient to fight for them against cow'd people and who had lost their courage by the bad successe of the last Battle whose Admirall would be the first that should teach them to flie as it became his trade of Pyracy and as he had done in the last fight That there was not any who had not earnestly desired to have an opportunity of fighting the enemy believing that therein lay the chief difficulty of getting another no lesse famous victory That this opportunity was by divine Providence now offered them when they did most desire it and looked least for it That if they should now again suffer the enemy to escape away safe when their forces were so weak they might in vain seek an occasion hereafter of suppressing them for growing in time more powerfull and more bold they would bereave â—hem of the occasion or of the easinesse of other victories nay they might deprive them of the fruit of that victory which they had already gotten Therefore the end of that war and the fortune of the Common-wealth for some ages did depend upon that daies successe If they valued their own glory the good of their country the exaltation of Christendom let them now fall boldly upon the enemy since they had that now before their eyes which was able to inflame poorly spirited men much more such as were noble and generous But that if any one