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
be able to hold the enemy play and to keep the war from the State of Lombardy but to make some advancement since the Imperialists wanted not many disaccommodations resolved to relieve those Towns sending them all sorts of munition and to recruit the Garrisons with six hundred Foot raised in Dalmatia which being conveyed thither in some Gallies in the depth of winter two of them ran on ground and split upon those shores But Commissary Mula who had kept till then upon those coasts for the safety of the Towns and to preserve those men upon all events and that the Galley-slaves might work upon the Fortifications leaving four Galleys to guard them retreated by publick order to Corfu which the Senate did out of the need the Fleet stood in of being refresh'd and that they might adde to the number of the Galleys that they might joyn with the Fleet which was prepared by the King of France in Marcelles and impose the Imperialists Maritime Forces who were said to prepare good store of Frigats in Barcellona to the end that joining with Doria's Galley's they might go out strong to Sea In this Interim the Pope ceased not his desires to have Cervia and Ravenna restored unto him to which purpose the King of France had sent the Vicount Turin to Venice desirous to give some satisfaction to the Pope in whom his former ill will to the King was encreased by the Marriage of Renea the Kings kinswoman to Hercoles the Duke of Ferrara's son knowing that by this alliance the king was obliged to defend the Duke from whom the Pope desired to repossess himself of the Cities of Modena and Regio as well as those in Romagna from the Venetians and he hoped to have been therein assisted by the King according to his promise But the Senate desirous to give the King satisfaction in all things acquainted him with their pretentions and interests that they had Ravenna from Obizo Polenta the Lord thereof 400 years since it was in the Churches possession and that Cervia was possess'd by the Commonwealth by the last Will and Testament of Dominico Malatesta charged with many pious uses wherein the will of the Testator was continually fulfilled that if they had desired to enjoy what belonged to others they would not have refused the offers made by those of Furli and of other Towns in Romagna to come under their command that they had been at no little charge in maintaining Bologna and other Cities under the Papal Dominion that they posses'd these Towns when the Pope had quitted the League and and therefore in that respect they had just reason to holde them since they had spent more Treasure in these wars by much then those Cities were worth that his Majesty would be pleased to consider whether it would make for his advantage that his freinds and his confederates should part with so convenient places to the Pope who was but ill affected to the Crown of France nay to the Imperialists upon whose authority it was apparent that the Pope did depend either out of will or fear That to boot with his own concernments he should weigh the injury which would be thereby done to the other Colleagues to the Florentines and to the Duke of Ferara who certainly would be very much troubled at such an action which might â—inder their forwardness in adhering to the League That he ought likewise to consider these Towns were as a curb to keep the Pope within his duty and that this respect ceasing he would the sooner discover himself to be a friend and confederate of Cesar ' s. Visconte being conjunct by these reasons went to Rome where he propounded divers expediences to the Pope for the accommodation of these Affairs as that these Towns might be given in fee to the Common-wealth upon some recognition to the Church as he had done by several other Towns Or else that they would be deposited into the King of France his hands to be disposed of as he should think fit Which proposals being put unto the Senate they were neither wholly accepted nor wholly refused but mentioning what the State had done and what they were ready to doe in order to the Pope's service they seemed to confide much upon Clement's wisdom that he might of himself find out some fair and rational accommodation of these difficulties Thus was this business suspended and the success of War uncertain and the time of laying down Arms most uncertain when the year 1528 ended The year 1529 began with various hopes of peace and with fear of new combustions of War for great weariness and weakness appeared plainly in the Princes Which as well as the bitterness of the winter was the reason why all Military actions were ceased nor did any such notable effects ensue either in Lumbardy or in the Kingdom of Naples as might have been expected the one party being quite dissipated and destroy'd the other remained totally victorious and arbitrator of all things which were so ballanced as each party might bear its own fortune and hope for better in the future Wherefore it was thought that the condition of affairs being thus an agreement would be the more easily made Cesar professed openly that he desired universal peace and above all things to accommodate his Affairs to the Princes of Italy to which purpose he had sent the General of Franciscans to Rome who having received the Cap took upon him the title of Cardinal of Sancta Cruce which Commission as it was given out to cause Hostia and Civita Vecchia to be restored to the Pope and to treat with the Popes self touching the reconcilment of all difficulties The King of England used all efficacious means with the King of France and to bring him to an agreement had sent express Embassadours to Rome to exhort the Pope to undertake such a treaty as a thing that did better belong to him more properly then to any other Nor did the King of France appear to be there unto averse he having sent Commission to his Embassadour at Rome for universal peace The Venetians did the like giving sufficient warrant to their Embassadour Gaspero Contarini to say that the Senate following the advice of the King of France and according to their own inclination towards the peace and common good of Christendom would make good whatsoever had been formerly agreed upon by particular conventions They moreover did of themselves desire the Pope that he would take upon him the weight of so important a business and bring it to a good end as might be hoped from his power and sincerity promising that upon the concluding of an universal peace they would witness their good will in any thing remained in dispute between them and the Apostolick See touching the Cities of Ravenna and Cervia But for all this many things gave reason to suspect that all this was but a Coppy of their countenances and that the Princes were inwardly otherwise inclined being more
he was the more fervent herein for that he thought he had just cause to undertake this War since new reasons were added to the ancient pretences which the Kingdom of France had to that State for he had married Claudia eldest daughter to King Lewis to whom the state of Millan might seem to belong her Father being â—on to a daughter of Iovan Galleazo Visconte But the desire of redeeming the ancient reputation of the French Militia which he knew was much lessened by the unfortunate success of the battle before Novara by the dishonourable conventions made with the Switzers at Dijune and by the loss of two noble cities Terroana and Tornai which were taken by the English prevailed most with this young King who was desirous of Military Glory Which mischiefs King Lewis could not remedy for just when Fortune began to smile upon him and that the honour of France began to revive he dyed Francis therefore thought he had a fair occasion offer'd him of doing what he so much desired if by his Forces he should win a noble Dukedom which did of right belong unto him by which Enterprize the Glory of his name would be much increased and the Power of France and whereby way would be made for greater atchievements He therefore together with the Government of the Kingdom took upon him the same thoughts of renewing the War in Italy wherein his Father in Law Lewis had been much vers'd And knowing that Friendship with the State of Venice might make much towards his getting the Victory as soon as he had taken the Crown upon him he writ kind and affectionate Letters to the Senate wherein he acquainted them with his being King and shewing a ready and good affection towards the Common-wealth he seemed to desire to know their opinion touching their renewing of their League with the Kingdom of France and that if he should find them disposed like himself the League and ancient Friendship might easily be renewed to the common good He made the Bishop of Aste signifie as much unto them who was then in Venice having been sent Embassadour thither by King Lewis Wherefore the Venetians who at the same time coveted friendship with the French and desired that they would come into Italy and who as soon as they had heard of Lewis his death had charged their Embassadour Marco Dandalo that he should endeavour to pry into the secret counsels and intentions of the new King and should begin to treat of renewing the confederacy when they had received these Letters and Embassies from the King seeming to put an high esteem upon his Friendship they humbly thanked him for his affection to the Commonwealth and for his desire to assist them They promised to correspond with him in love and affection saying they knew very well how much it imported both of them to keep the Forces of France and theirs joyn'd together by reciprocal obligations of League That they were therefore ready to renew the present League and would always be ready to assist him in getting some Footing in Italy and in aggrandizing his Power so as he might be a terrour to his Enemies and a friend and sure help to the Common-wealth Moreover the Embassadours who were sent as you have heard to the Kings of France and England and who being upon their journey had tarried at Lyons after Lewis his death were ordered to go on and had commissions sent them to renew the League with the King of France These when they were come to Court did easily renew the League upon the former Articles To which the King was already so much inclined and treated with such fervency of the Affairs of Italy as he labour'd in all his discourses with the Venetian Embassadours to shew them what reasons had moved him to undertake this War affirming that he would never lay down Arms till he had gotten the state of Millan and till the Common-wealth had recovered all the Cities which she had lost and were returned to her former Dignity The Venetians were very glad of this the Kings resolutions and fearing lest this so great fervency might as it often falls out be by some new accident abated they shewed him how that the chiefest hopes of Victory lay in expedition to the end that the Enemy whose Forces were now much diminished and their resolutions doubtful and uncertain might not have time to recrute and re-assume courage and that the City of Crema this mean while which was known by experience might be a great help towards the recovery of Millan might not run any farther hazard which having for so many years undergone the inconveniences of War was now brought to great extreamity and that the Truce made with their Enemies being now near an end stood them in no stead for they had heard it credibly reported that Prospero Colonna had assembled his Forces together from all parts and prepared to besiege that City That the Senate would not be wanting in any thing that was in them to do who had already begun to raise new Souldiers and to provide Arms Money and Ammunition Moreover that though the War were chiefly to be made by Land-men yet thinking it not fit to lay aside the thought of ordering their Fleet that they might upon occasion therewith molest the Enemy they had resolved to rig out many Gallies entreating his Majesty that he would do the like The Embassadours having thus done all they had in command with the King at Paris they went into England to fulfill the other part of their Embassie where being graciously received they shewed in their first Audience The Venetians great sorrow for the death of King Lewis husband to King Henry's Sister a great Friend to the Common-wealth They then told the King how highly the Common-wealth was bound unto him for that in the Agreement made formerly with King Lewis and lately with King Francis he desired that she as a Friend and sharer with him in all his Fortunes might be particularly named and included in the League But afterwards at a more private Audience they earnestly desires him that he would by his Authority and by his exhortations confirm the King of France in the mind he seemed to be in of intending the Affairs of Italy and of sending assistance speedily to the Venetians and that in the mean time peace and friendship should be held inviolably between them from which great safety was to arise to both their States and much advantage to all Christendom that the Senate of Venice for their parts would never be wanting in any thing which might make for the gâ—od of the Crown of France or that of England and did very much desire that these present Kings as their Predecessors had done might know that the Common-wealth was much bound and tyed unto them This Embassie being done Giustiniano stay'd behind with Henry to treat of the Common-wealths affairs but Pasquillio return'd to France and being come to Paris he met with Letters and
the Pope and to the Venetians that their States would be in great danger if the new Emperour might be permitted to pass Armed into Italy he therefore propounded that a firm League and good Intelligence might be established between them three whereby each of them should be bound to defend the Honour and Territories of the rest against whosoever should go about to injure them and particularly to oppose Charles his Forces if he should come with an Army to Rome to take upon him the Emperial Crown as it was thought he intended which could not be done without much danger to whosoever had any State in Italy as well by reason of all Emperours ancient pretences as for what was discovered to be in the mind of this new Cesar. The King of France did so much apprehend this as he perswaded the Pope to send Charles the Crown of the Empire by way of Bull before he should be resolved to come into Italy which being better examined by the Venetians was found to be rather prejudicial then good for the common Interest for this would not have been sufficient to have altered Cesar's desire that indeed was not to take upon him the Ensigns of the Empire but to get more Territories in Italy The Venetians readily assented to the proposition made by the King of France of a new confederacy having the same fear and the same desire to secure themselves from Cesar's getting farther footing into Italy And these were increased by the mischiefs they suffered in the late years by being of themselves to resist the Forces of so many Princes They therefore said that as it had alwaies been their firme and constant resolution never to part from the friendship of the Crown of France so upon this occasion they were to set the higher value upon it as that by which they might recieve the greater advantage wherefore they would still adhere to his counsels But the Pope being irresolute was assaulted by variety of reasons and diversity of affections for he thought himself not safe from the fear of Cesar's Forces without the favour and friendship of the King of France having manifestly opposed his Election by shewing his incapability of receiving the dignity of Emperour he having sworn at his being invested into the Kingdom of Naples that he would never indeavour it nor accept of it of which Oath the Pope had not as yet freed him On the other side the Dyet at Worms being intimated wherein Luther's doctrine was to be treated of not only concerning the Tenets of faith but even of the Popes authority Leo thought it imported much upon this occasion to keep Charls his friend at least not to incense him with new Leagues lest he might become less diligent in proceeding against Luther and in condemning his Tenâ—yts whereby his authority might encrease to the great disparagement of the church of Rome The Pope was likewise much troubled that the reputation and power of the French should be encreased whereby they might be confirmed in their possession of the State of Milan Proceeding therefore slowly and irresolutely he seemed desirous to joyn with the King of France and with the Venetians in defence of the common cause but when the business drew to a conclusion he would not yeild that any agreement should be made in writing saying That it was not good to expâ—se themselves to danger by writing whereby the business wherein secresie was chiefly requir'd might the more easily be made known That the words of Princes to do what was agreed upon between them might suâ—â—ice The business drawing thus out at length and the King of France growing with time somwhat more cool in his former fervency the Venetians began to grow jealous lest he might hold some secret intelligence with the Emperour which might be the chief cause of the Pope's irresoluteness and of the so long delay in confirming the things agreed upon This suspition was fomented by many things as the certain knowledge that Monsignor di Chiures a Spaniard was gone from Cesars Court into France to agree of an Interview with the King of France as was by them given forth and that in this Interview the Peace should be confirmed which was made some moneths before between the King of France and the King of England wherein Charls being named as one of the chief contractors he had not as yet ratified it Moreover the articles wherewith the King said he had dispatched away Monsieur di St Marscho from France were kept very secret when he was come to Rome and also the said St Marscho departed from Rome before the League was established when there was most need of his presence for the consummation thereof and left none with the Pope in the King's behalf but Alberto Carpi who was so grievously sick as he was not fit for any negotiation These were things which argued strongly that the King had altered his mind Yet the Venetians continuing their former resolution of not foregoing the friendship of the French acquainted the King with this their jealousie but did not seem any way to resent it nor to alter their resolution Nay they said they did assure themselves that if the King had an intention to make any new confederacy with Cesar their Commonwealth should be mentioned and comprehended in the agreement whatsoever it should be so as whatsoever differences they had had with Maximilian should now be accommodated with Charls and all occasions of new troubles should be laid aside But on the other side Charls when he was declared King of the Romans having peradventure his thoughts bent upon the affairs of Italy as hath been said and knowing it would become him chiefly to hold fair with the Venetians seemed very desirous to agree those differences with them which had been formerly between the Common-wealth and his predecessor Maximilian and that his actions might correspond with his words he had sent his Commissioners to Verona with full power not only to Treat of the things appertaining to the last Truce of five years but also to accomodate all those other particulars which in the former agreement made two years ago were not yet decided Commissioners on all sides being met Francisco Pesaro for the Commonwealth who was chosen many moneths before for this employment and four of the chief Councellors of Ispruch in the Emperours behalf to whom he had particularly committed the business and Iouanni Pino being likewise sent thither as Embassadour from the King of France who as hath been said was made Arbytrator in the differences which were by reason of the last Truce The Venetians propounded that all Towns which were taken in the last War should be restored by both sides and that all things should return to their former condition alledging that only such an agreement could put an end to all past differences and bring a certain and a long peace But the Imperialists finding out somtime one difficulty somtimes an other spun out the business not concluding
they should deal friendly and neighbourly with all the subjects of the Commonwealth But to return to the Treaty of the League Many things were urged by Cesar's Agents to obtain their intent That it was not reasonable that since Cesar did prefer the friendship of the Commonwealth before his other conveniences and interests he might also make use thereof for the preservation of his own States nor ought it to be esteemed so hard a thing nor so prejudicial to the Venetians to send their Armies into the Kingdom of Naples since there was an example thereof when not many years since they sent the Marquis of Mantua with their men to assist the King of France To satisfie which particulars in part the Senate resolved to promise Cesar some Gallies for the defence of the Kingdom of Naples provided that in time of such need they should not be busied in the Turkish War The slow and irresolute councels of France concerning the affairs of Italy made the Venetians the more inclinable to agree with the Emperour which affairs they thought the French to be far from thinking upon for that it was said all their forces would be turned upon the Kingdom of England and truly if no other accidents had intervened the confederacy with Cesar had then been concluded for Embassadors came from the Archduke Ferdinand in whose name Cesar's agents had formerly treated who brought word that their Princes pleasure was not to come to any certain agreement of Peace at that time but only to a renewing of Truce for five years for being but newly entered as he said into the Government he was not so well informed of the State of his affairs as was requisite to come to such an agreement so as the Archduke being excluded from this confederacy whereby the chiefest difficulties which were between the Commonwealth and the House of Austria were kept on foot the Venetians resolved not to conclude any thing with Charls the Emperour Moreover the Pope had at this time sent Campeggio Bishop of Feltre to the Venetian Senate to exhort them to embrace the Universal League and to put all other differences which were between them and Cesar into his hands alledging for this his request that he feared if the Commonwealth should first conâ—ederate with the Emperour and so forego the friendship of the French the French would the more hardly be brought to joyn with the other Christian Princes in the general League against the Turks This gave the Senate a just cause of new delay but of all things else Adorno's death did chiefly impede the conclusion of this business who died in the beginning of the year 1523. A wary and wise man who by his fair carriage had won favour with the Senators Marino Caracciola the chief Apostolique Notary who was already gone from Spain and destined an Embassadour for Rome was sent to Venice by Cesar to supply his place The King of France having certain knowledge of these practises who did much suspect them before sent Renzoda Ceri and soon after Ambrogio da Fiorenza and Monsieur di St Valiere to Venice that they might assure the Venetians of the many preparations for War which were making in France and of his resolution of coming himself in person into Italy and that consequently they might solicite the Venetians to order their forces for the sudden attempting the enterprize of Milan thinking hereby to remove the chief cause of the Senate treating of a new confederacy with Cesar which the King and Court knew to be because they feared that Forces would not come so soon nor so strong from France as was requisite But all these endeavours were of less efficacy because little belief was given to the words nor promises of the French of whom they had heard so much and seen so little Wherefore some colour for delay being made by reason of the endeavours of an universal Truce as hath been said which was so much put for by the Pope the Senate answered the Embassadors That they neither could nor would do any thing till they saw an end of this business left they might seem to trouble the peace of Italy and spoil the hopes of great good to Christendom But the King of France having reasons for Truce propounded to him by the Venetians and by the Pope himself said That he was not dis-enclined to lay down Arms nor that he did desire to enjoy what belonged to another but that his honour would not permit him now to desist from the recovery of the Dukedom of Milan which was his wherein if the Pope and Venetians would assist him they should finde him very ready for the future to do any thing which might be for the common peace and safety but that it was in vain to attempt the union of the Christian Princes and the settlement of the affairs of Italy without this To which purpose and in witness of his good will he sent Lodouico Canosa Bishop of Bayeux to Rome and to Venice But howsoever there was more noise of Wars heard then effects seen so as many moneths being spent in these transactions with great variety of counsels and opinions Peace and League was at last with great solemnity concluded between Cesar and the Venetians the particulars whereof were these That the Venetians should possess the Cities Towns Villages and other places of their Dominionâ— in the same Iurisdiction as now they did That they should pay two hundred thousand Crowns to Cesar within the space of eight years That the Citizens of their State who had adhered to Cesar should return into their Country and should be received into favour all faults being forgiven to such of their Citizens as had followed Cesar 's party to whom in lieu of their confiscated goods five thousand Ducats of yearly Revenue should be assigned That restitution of all places taken should be made by all parties as was agreed upon at Worms which as soon as it should be performed in its other parts the Venetians should be bound to disburse thirty eight thousand Ducats as was likewise determined by the agreement at Worms That it should be lawful for the subjects of the Venetians as also for Cesar 's subjects to live freely and commerce in either of their Dominions and that they should be civilly and lovingly treated as subjects of the same Country That for the defence of Milan Sforza for whom Cesar engaged his word should be bound to maintain continually in time of Peace five hundred Curassiers and that the Venetians should maintain as many but that in time of War the number should be increased to eight hundred Curassiers five hundred Light Horse and six thousand Foot with an answerable Train of Artillery and that Charls should be obliged to do as much for the defence of the State of Venice and they all of them promised to hinder for as much as in them lay the coming of any victuals to any Enemies Army which should come to the prejudice of their
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
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
with their goods be set at liberty The Auditory was much in doubt what to do concerning these proposalls on the one side they had great hopes and large offers promised them but which would draw on sore wars and much trouble on the other side doubts of but small quiet and no lesser difficulties continuing still in the same danger which would be made the worse by the King of France his indignation if he should see his friendship refused and neglected after so large offers After long consultation it was proposed to the Senate by the joynt opinion of the Collegio de Savii That the same Rangone being desired to return many thanks to the King for his favour and for his so many and so loving offers he should tell his Majesty That as for the Union which was proposed the King might know what esteem the Common-wealth had of the Crown of France by what she had often done formerly and that as she had not been hitherto wanting so her actions should still be such when any occasion should be offered as might câ—â—firm the King and all others in a good opinion of her Mark Antonio Cornaro was the onely man that opposed this a man famous for eloquence and of great reputation though not very old and who was then Savio di Terra ferma he would have it freely told to Rangâ—ne That to keep promise was that which became a Prince and was the antient uninterrupted custom of the Common-wealth Wherefore being tyed by a new confederacy to Cesar they could not think of any other agreement contrary to it But that they were notwithstanding confident that the King as a wise Christian Prince and a friend would not give over the good offices which he had begun with the Turks He therefore spake thus He who will give his opinion in any weighty and important Affair must be so free from passion as his reason be not contaminated Hope and fear as evill consulâ—ors which keep truth concealed ought alwaies to be banished such resolutions These are the affections which I desire maybe chiefly driven from your bosomes most worthy and grave Senators that the resolution which shall this day be put on may be right and sincere agreeing with the publick good and with the opinion which the world hath of this Senate's wisdom The offers made unto us by the King of France to make us side with him and take up arms against our friend and confederate Cesar are very great and truly he ought to mention great things to make us by a new and detestable example break our publick faith without any just occasion and undertake a no lesse unjust then weighty and dangerous war Two things are at once propounded unto us to make war with the Emperour and the keeping peace with Soliman and this very cunningly to work upon us by these inventions to the end that some of us moved thereunto by our own strength and by his assistance and out of hopes of great acquisitions being allured by what is very usefull and desirable may forget what is honest and feasable and may easily enter into troubles which we shall not so easily get out of And others blinded by the desire of preservation from present dangers and of freeing themselves from the fear of war with the Turks without finding any better security for our present affairs We must look upon these things with eyes uncontaminated by these affections with the pure and sincere eyes of our soules and consider with what intention they are proposed for by so doing it will easily appear what we ought to do therein and by what answer we may free our selves from those snares which are covered over with an appearance of liberty and from that infamy which goes concealed under the cloak of glory It was the generosity of our fore-fathers readily to embrace any occasion of enlarging our confines whilst the condition of times advised thereunto It was the constancy of our fathers and hath been ours to seek to preserve things which were got by the worth of others not being overcome by the tedious troubles of war But certainly it was no lesse wisdom nor lesse praise-worthy to accommodate our selves to the present fortune of the Common-wealth to lay down Arms and to wait for better times when we had found all experience in vain We did then possesse the greatest part of thâ—se territories which now are promised us in reward of new troubles and dangers and notwithstanding because we knew that the keeping of them would nourish perpetuall discords we being desirous to purchase peace to the Common-wealth at last did resolve to quit them We parted willingly and by agreement with Ravenna and Cervia to the Pope and with many Towns in Puglia to the Emperour We should not now think of these things since it will be harder for us to repossesse our selves of those cities then it would have been to have kept them and for that Cesar 's power is much encreased and confirmed in Italy So as to change the present condition thereof is a thing rather to be desired than to be expected and if this be any waies to be hoped for past experience the same course which we still keep teacheth us that it may â—e had not by arms but by negotiation and dexâ—erity by insinuating our selves into Cesar 's favour and by keeping him in some jealousie of our friendship which he doth so highly value at this time by which means he may be brought as he hath been formerly and haâ—h now promised to yield that a particular Duke of Millan be named But certainly he who thinks there is any good grounds of joyning part of that State to our Dominions may be said to take pleasure in willingly deceiving himself It is too apparent that the bare newes of this confederacy with France or the discovery of any such thoughts in us would be sufficient to make all the Princes of Italy joyne against us nay the very King of France who is now so free of his promises would be hardlier perswaded to grant these things then others would be if there should be any occasion of doing it Is it possible that we can so soon forget what is past or if we remember them can we with patience give ear to these negotiations What counsell did ever prove more unfortunate to this Common-wealth then the thinking of getting of Cremona and Giaradada What but this was the first and true originall cause of making all the Princes of Christendom conspire against us to almost the totall ruine of our affairs And who was the first author of this conspiracy and of our so many mischiefs but that very King of France who assisted by our forces in his getting the Dukedom of Millan was bound to keep us in the possession of that part thereof which was given us in reward of our so much expence and labour And I pray you what was it that forced us to joyne at first in confederacy with
equally ballanced as may be doth much concern the safety and liberty of all Italy and particularly the reputation and grandure of this Common-wealth not to secure the one altogether nor to make the other totally dispair of our friendship which is the onely means of keeping the one from over-much exceeding the other and from securing their affairs in Italy which most weighty consideration hath made us not sâ—ick to side sometimes with the one sometimes with the other as hath stood most with the times and with our interests It is now 13 years since that being then in League with the King of France and seeing the Emperours forces increase so fast in Italy and the French succours come on so slowly as it was thought impossible to uphold them any longer we followed Cesar's fortune did what our own safety and service advised us to do and adhering unto Cesar did help him to drive the residue of the French Army out of Italy but soon after the French faction growing powerfull by King Francis passing over the mountains with a strong Army we forewent our new Confederacy made with the Emperour and did re-establish our ancient League with the King of France whose affairs proving afterwards unfortunate and contrary to the first hopes his Army being routed and himselfe taken prisoner we to preserve our selves early from being injured by the Conqueror did side again with Cesar whose greatnesse growing suspitious and seeing our selves then free from the former danger of his forces as soon as we found the King of France who was now set at liberty minded to make war with Cesar we took up Arms with him to drive the Imperialists out of the Dukedom of Millan All these things hapned within lesse than two years space and I my selfe was present in many of them as Commissary of your Armies and certainly it was wisely done to sute our selves to the various conditions of times by doing which we have preserved the Common-wealth and reduced her at last to peace Then since the same respects continue shall we proceed otherwise Why shall we by seeming inseparably united to Cesar force the King of France to give over his thoughts of Italy and leave the Emperour sole Arbitrator thereof by doing thus we shall at one and the same time purchase hatred from the French neglect from the Imperialists lessen the reputation of our Common-wealth and make the way easie for Cesar to inthrale whole Italy To what purpose is the unconstancy and uncertainty of the King of France urged if we do not at all now treat of relying upon his word And say we should treat thereof such a conferacy could not occasion us so much trouble or danger but that our appearing to continue so constant to Cesar might be cause of more Nor do I say that we ought to treat with some reservation with the King of France for any respect of the King himselfe for any service that we have received by him or out of hope of what we may receive though if I should say so it is not so long since we recovered Verona by the assistance of his forces but that it might procure me some belief It is our own service and good which makes me advise thus which should perswade us to take this course Therefore as I shall not easily advise since the present times do not permit it that we should enter into assured and present troubles of a new War so shall I not counsell quite to forgoe the thought of the Emperour 's too immoderate greatnesse which hath cost us so much labour in the hardest times preâ—erring the security of our Common-wealth and our posterity for which the Senate is much to be praised before any accommodation we could receive by peace We may by this time know what Cesar's intentions are and that it is now more to be feared than ever that he will subjugate all Italy He hath drawn us into confederacy with him by giving us good words and by promising to put a Duke into the State of Millan But do not his actions shew how careful he is to make good this his promise If then we do desire to bring him to this since we cannot now use open violence let us at least make him somewhat jealous of our friendship and assistance for it may very well fall out that fearing lest by our alienation he may shamefully lose that State he may resolve to leave it with honour and praise by some fair way of accommodation as he lately did when he was contented that Francisco Sforzza should be repossessed thereof The respect of our present troubles and dangers of the Turkish Forces being added to these considerations I think we ought not to forgoe the gravity and maturity with which the Senate is wont to proceed in matters of much lesse moment for it is evident that the too much hastning of this our resolution and the two soon declaring of our selves will increase the Turks jealousies that we are joyn'd with Cesar to their prejudice and cannot but much injure our affairs and bring us upon some precipice Moreover I know not why we ought to value the intercession of a puissant Prince and one so highly esteem'd by the Turks as is the King of France so little I am not perswaded that a treaty of Peace and Agreement propounded by a personage of great power would be displeasing to us if we were in open War with Soliman And now that our businesse is depending in my opinion more inclinable to peace than war shall we not believe that the French may by their indeavours the more easily divert it be it but by acquainting them with the easinesse of the enterprise wherein their intentions and designs against the Imperialists and us will be assisted Much more may be said upon this occasion so as my discourse thereupon must be long though contrary to my custome but I forbear to say many things purposely that I may not seem to distrust the wonted wisdome of this Senate to which it may seem very conformable to keep the more certain determination of our will therein undetermined as also the opinion that the King of France or any others may have thereof who may Comment upon this our answer we shall have time for a better grounded and more mature resolution the waiting for which in difficulties hath alwaies been thought to become a wise and prudent Prince According to this mans opinion the Senate took time to deliberate upon an answer and upon dismissing Count Rongone This mean while certain news came to Venice that Soliman was come with his Army to Vallona and that his Fleet passing by Corfu had saluted the Fort by shooting off their Guns according to the military fashion in token of friendship and were with like shot amicably answered by our men and that they had committed no hostile act neither in that Island nor elsewhere but that some of his men having taken away certain goods from some of
with the occasion of Times and hopes of greater good was the cause why Caesar the peace not being yet fully established between him and the King of France finding himselfe free of that disturbance began to fall off from the agreement and to resolve not to forgo the Dukedom of Millan upon any terms And on the other side Soliman's being incenst against the House of Austria made the King oâ— France the bolder hoping that by those prevalent means he might the better resent the injury which he thought Caesar did him in dispising to have peace and friendship with him Rincone therefore being returned to Venice gave a particular account of all these things to the Senate highly exaggerating the Turks preparation for War hoping thereby to draw them over to side with his King and affirming moreover that when these Forces should move they should be disposed of according to his Kings pleasure He then desired a Convoy of armed men that he might return the more safely to France and accordingly Mercurio Bua was ordered to wait upon him with his Troop of light Horse to the utmost confines of the Common-wealth and having onely three moneths allowed him for his return to Constantinople he suddenly dispatcht his business with the King who listned very diligently to the busines and took his journey again to return by Venice for Constantinople but being come to Pavia as he passed along the Poe he was slain by some Spanish foot by order as it was conceived from the Marquiss of Guasto as was also Caesare Fregoso who was sent by the King to accompany him The King of France was more scandalized hereat then can be imagined that whilst he was yet in Truce with the Emperour his servants should be treacherously slain and that Caesar not being contented to have deceived him in his speeches for he seemed to be well minded to peace and to restore the state of Millan which he flew daily further from when he had appeased the Tumults in Flanders should contrary to reason and the Law of Nations do him so great a scorn and shew such a desire to offend him He forbore not to mention this his resentment publickly but complained grievously thereof by his Embassadors at all Princes Courts and in particular sent Antonio Polino to Soliman with commission to go first to Venice to make known his intentions towards Caesar and the reasons he had to study a just revenge making offer of all his indeavours and authority in such things wherein he might be serviceable to the Common-wealth at Constantinople whither he was sent Embassador and demanding a safe Convoy for that Journey he had a Gallie allotted him to wait upon him to Ragugi But Caesar when the great preparations of the Turks was given out for certain nay when their men were already upon their March toward Hungary after he had long entertained himselfe in the Dyet at Ratisbone in treating of divers things about Religion wherein nothing was concluded prepared to go himselfe in person into Italy his end therein not being known and being much wondered at by all men It not being thought reasonable though it were so â—â—ven out that he was to fall upon Algiers in the waters of Africa that whilst his brothers danger the honour of his family and of the German Nation ought to have recalled him back unto Germany he should go to attempt an enterprise which though it might be of some conveniency to his Kingdom of Spain to bereave the Pyrats who invested those Seas of that receptacle was not notwithstanding to be compar'd to the purchasing of a noble Kingdom at home and to the safety which his other States and Empire might receive by keeping the Turkish Forces from off those confines yet he persisting in his intention sent a great number of Foot into Italy and made great preparation of shipping of all sorts in divers shores of his Dominions Thus stood the condition of affairs at this time these were the designs of Princes concerning Peace and War Wherefore in these great Commotions the Venetians thought it became them to proceed with great vigilancy and circumspection keeping the Common-wealth in her neutrality and free from all offence They knew that the hazards of Hungary was the more to be thought of by them for that by the eminent losse of that Kingdom the Forces of the Turks who were the common and perpetuall enemy would be much increased which were already so potent and so near to the Common-wealths Dominions And what hopes were there of any good success King Ferdinando was too weak of himself to oppose the Turkish Armies The Emperour was not over-ready to try his fortune against the Turks in the behalfe of his Brother Germany would be far from favouring any enterprise whereby the Authority and power of the House of Austria might be increased a thing which she did very much detest and apprehend And on the other side Queen Isabella was a woman a widow the King her Son an Infant ill provided to defend that Kingdom and in necessity not only to make use of the Turks ayd but of depending totally upon them and yet though the Venetians knew these things and thought seriously on them they were necessitated much to their griefe and sorrow by reason of their late triall of the Christian Princes weaknesse and discords not onely to stand idly looking upon all these mischiefs but to shun giving the Turks any occasion of taking up Arms against the Common-wealth or of thinking that they stood not well-affected towards them Wherefore being desired by the Pope that the Councel as was formerly agreed upon at the Convention at Luca between him and the Emperour and by the assent of the Venetians might be held in Vicenza the next ensuing year which was the year 1542. they thought that to give way thereunto at a time when Leagues and Agreements were in agitation would not sute well with their conveniency and quiet and therefore they excused themselves in that point since the face of affairs was altered by their new Agreement made with the Turks and their condition become different from what it was when they first promised it and were at open War with the Turks for it was clear that the meeting of the Councel not onely in their State but so near Venice would beget an assured and unexcusable jealousie in Soliman that they had indeavour'd to make the Chriâ—â—â—an Princes conspire against him which would be to draw great ruine upon themselves out of an uncertain hope of good and that many of the prime Prelates knew that it vvas a very unseasonable time to assemble the Councell novv vvhen they should first intend the reconciling of the Princes and of repairing Christendoms prejudice received by the Turkish Forces But these respects vvere added unto by other accidents for many things had been said at Constantinople to make it be believed that the Venetians vvould not keep peace longer then some opportunity of breaking it
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
making any mention of her but with much prejudice to her affairs and not acquainting her with any such resolution And that the estimation he seemed to put upon the Common-wealth proceeded onely from his own interests which when they were severed from those of the Common-wealth he valued her honour nor safety no longer Yet in this variety of opinions all agreed in preserving friendship with the Crown of France as they had done of late years without quitting their Neutrality Wherefore as soon as they heard of King Francis his death they chose two Embassadours Vector Grimani and Matteo Dandelo who were to go forthwith for France to condole according to custome with the new King and Court-Lords and then to congratulate the King's succession to the Crown affirming that the Common-wealth was willing and ready to continue peace with the same observancy with Henry as they had done with his father and according to the usuall and antient affection born by the Venetians to the Crown of France The Italians made lesse account of Henry's of England's death he being lesse interessed in the affairs of Italy by reason of the far distance of his State but the Venetians valued the friendship of that King and Kingdom more then the rest not for any reason of State but for that by holding good intelligence with the English they received many conveniences in their Merchandising for divers sorts of Merchandise were usually sent from Venice to England so as the commerce with that Nation was very advantageous to the Venetian-Citizens and Merchants Wherefore the Common-wealth kept usually an Embassadour in Ordinary in England who being upon some occasions removed in the time of war with France upon the ensuing peace the same King desired the Embassadour might return and Bernardo Navagiero was chosen for that employment whose journey was stopt by Henry's death who by reason of this commerce had tane a great affection to the Venetians and did much favour the affairs of the Common-wealth in her times of greatest trouble as may be known by the precedent Narrations And though being alter'd in his own conditions his minde was sometimes alter'd in this point and his friendship lessened he continued notwithstanding to make much of those of the Nation particularly of the Nobility in whom upon many occasions he did confide in many most important businesses and lately in the Treaty of peace with France he made use of Francesco Bernardo a young man full of spirit who for some occasions of his own kept in that Kingdom and past often by order from the King into France and was the chief instrument in making the peace King Henry was succeeded by his son Edward who not being yet eleaven years old the government of the Kingdom was put into the hands of some of the chief Barons The Senate chose Dominico Bolani their Embassadour for England who met with excellent correspondency in the chief Lords and those of greatest authority touching the maintenance of friendship and commerce with the Venetians with promises of giving fair entertainment to all Venetians who should come to that Island But the peace between the English and the French lasted but a while the Inhabitants of both Nations being naturally enemies for the King of Scotland having left one onely daughter heir to his Kingdom King Edward's Governours desired she might be married to their King so as those two Kingdoms might be joyned under one Government as they are joyned in neighbourhood But the Scots abhorring to be brought under the obedience of the King of England to preserve the honour of their Kingdom and through a naturall hatred which they bear to all the English would not give ear thereunto and had recourse to France for help if the English should endeavour to compell them by force of Arms promising their Queen to Henry for wise to one of his sons together with the succession of that Kingdom and obliging themselves to bring her into France as a pledge of their fidelity These offers were the readilier accepted by King Henry who took upon him the protection of the Infant-Queen and of the Kingdom of Scotland For that being desirous of acquiring new Dominions he was not well pleased with the agreement made by his father whereby the City of Bullen was to remain in possession of the English So that a bitter war began already to be kindled between these two Kingdoms Those that dreaded Cesar's power did much dislike to see the new King busied in this enterprise whereby he was to give over the thoughts of Italy and leave Cesar free to prosecute his own designes But of all others the Pope was most troubled hereat who not onely for the common cause but for his own private interests also had designed to bridle Cesar's greatnesse by the French forces He therefore resolved to send Cardinall St. George into France to procure as it was given out that the French Prelates might come to the Councill of Bullognia but indeed to make the King set his minde to oppose Cesar's greatnesse offering him therein his friendship and assistance Whereunto Henry willingly listned as he who being strangely ambitious of warlick glory would not let any occasion slip of making war upon hopes of doing some remarkable action for which the Pope was thought a very fit instrument in regard of his forces for the opportunity of affairs in Italy and much more in respect of his authority Wherefore being easily perswaded to attempt novelties he set his minde upon encreasing his faction in Italy by all means that he might and to gain friends and amongst the rest he sent for Pietro Strozzi whom he honoured with the Order of St. Michael which was then in great esteem and given onely to people of great birth and such as had deserved very well of the Crown of France esteeming him for the vivacity of his spirit for his being an enemy to quietnesse and for his being greatly followed by out-lawed Florentines and others to be an apt instrument to make some important commotion for the service of the Crown of France by disturbing the affairs of Italy He also fomented the rising of those of Sâ—enna and incited them to defend their Liberties out of hopes of his assistance but the Pope and King of France between whom a union was already setled and confirm'd Horatio Fernese Son to Pier Luigi having married a naturall daughter of Henries bent chiefly all their indeavours to get the Venetian Senate to joyn with them whereupon they thought they were to ground their chief foundation of attempting any thing in Italy against Caesar to which purpose the King sent Monsieur de Soissonne to Venice a man of great account for his births sake and to the same purpose made use of Monsieur de la Casa who was the Popes Nuncio there These hoped to finde the Venetians more ready hereunto than they had been formerly for what hath been already said of Cesars Atchievements and particularly in consideration of
was zealous above all other things that it was not lawfull for Don Iohn being Generall of the League to obey those orders of the Catholick King which did countervene the said League not onely without the Popes consent but without his knowledge nay contrary to his express will after having been so often prest by his Nuncio's to go from Messina and joyn with the Venetian Fleet that it was to be considered that that Fleet being raised by monies drawn from the Clergy or from others by the particular concession and authority of the Apostolick Sea as destined against the Turks could not with any reason be by the King turn'd else-where Wherefore the Pope being anxiously solicitous to have the Fleets joyn he sent reduplicated Briefs to Don Iohn to make him speedily depart and exhorted the Venetians to dispatch away their Embassadors forthwith to the Courts of Spain and France to appease the jealousies and take away the diffidences which were risen between those Kings and particularly to move the Catholick King to grant them his Fleet and not to forgo the Articles of the League To the same purpose he sent Antonio Maria Salviato Bishop of St. Papolo to the King of France and dispatcht away Nicolo Ormaneto Bishop of Padua as his Nuncio to the Catholick Court. Caesar interposed himselfe likewise herein using his Authority with both the Kings to preserve peace and concord between them being moved thereunto either that he might do what became a Christian Emperour or else knowing that if these commotions should go on Peace with the Turks must insue whereby he who lived then secure and quiet by reason of the dangers and troubles of others might have reason to suspect that the Turks might fall upon him But the Venetians were more fervent in these indeavours than all the rest as well because their interest was most therein as also not to make the Pope jealous lest by their not stirring in accidents of such concernment they might rather intend Peace than War which might make him grow cooler for the concerns of the League who knowing that by these proceedings the Venetians might have reason to think of agreeing with the Turks incouraged them with many hopes and exhorted them to use the accustomed wisdom and moderation of that Senate which would overcome all difficulties that they might not totally deprive themselves of the advantage which they might receive the next year in case the Fleets could not conveniently joyn this year by the more speedy provisions for War and by the King of Spain who would then be free from troubles and from such suspitions Iovanni Michiele was chosen to be sent Embassadour to the King of France and Antonio Tiepolo to the King of Spain both which used all diligence in going to the Courts of those Kings Michiele said how that the Venetian Senate had alwaies greatly desired the common good and peace between Christian Princes which they did now the more for that the war undertaken against the Turks the danger wherewith the Common-wealth was threatned as also all Christendom made them the more desirous to procure peace and good intelligence between the Christian Princes that they might joyntly turn upon the common Enemy That for this cause they were much troubled at the insurrection of Flanders and at the King of Spains troubles that their displeasure was not a little increased by the report which was given out of some suspitions and State-jealousies which were risen between the Crowns of France and Spain by which it might be feared that if these thoughts should take deeper root an open breach might from thence proceed to the great prejudice of Christendom which if it should meet with no impediment might be in a gallant and safe condition But by how much the more grievous and of greater importance the businesse was the lesse was it believed by the Senate who very well knew the wisdome of that King and his well-wishing towards the common good Yet because the perswasions of such as are no friends to peace and for their own interests seek to disturb it doe often divert Princes from their good intentions the Senate would not be wanting in making use of that favour which they perswaded themselves they partook of from his Majesty in exhorting him not to listen to such discourses when they should be propounded or that if he had had any such intentions hitherto that for the good of Christendom and for the particular advantage of their Common-wealth he would lay aside all such thoughts and totally convince the Catholick King so as being free from all such jealousies he might minde the businesse of the Levant and observe the Articles of the League The King listned graciously hereunto and took it in good part saying That the Senate was not at all decâ—ived in the good affection which he bore to the Common-wealth nor in their belief of his well-wishing to the good of Christendom That he had been alwaies troubled at the commotions of Flanders and that he had still endeavoured to keep those insurrections from being fomented by his subjects But that the condition of those times was such and the state wherein his Kingdom then was as be could not curb the insolency of such as were desirous of novelty who having endeavoured to work confusion in his Kingdom it was no wonder if contrary to his orders they were gone into other States to perturb the affairs of other men And some Court Lords to free men from such suspicioâ—s were of opinion that he should wink at these things which did not now concern the Crown of France which was sensible of the prejudice which Princes receive from the unbriâ—led licentiousnesse of people cloaked under the name of just liberty which could no otherwise be hurtfull to him then violent exercise is to an infirm body That he knew this might be prejudiciall to the Catholick King without any advantage to France way not without fear of putting her into new troubles and dangers for that these commotions might very likely make the King of Spain agree with the Flemmish with intention peradventure of assaulting Dolphine or the Kingdom of Navar So as instead of carrying the war to other mens doors they might be enforc'd to make war at home at a time when the forces of the Kingdom through so many and so long civill dissentions were divided and weakened But of all others the Queen Mother who bore then almost the chiefest authority in the Kingdom seemed greatly desirous to preserve peace and would therefore with her own hand write to the Pope attesting this her desire and professing her self ready to follow his good advice And that though there were some provision of Arms made they were never intended to make use of them to the prejudice of others but onely in their own defence fearing lest the Spaniards for the injuries which they causlesly affirmed they had received from the French might invade his Kingdom Where it is worth consideration how
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
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
what haste he could to Bergamo and assaulting the Souldiers that were upon the Guard unexpectedly he put them to flight and took the City at the first Assault Which when Renzo heard of he took with him 1200 Foot and went presently himself in person to Bergamo to munite the City and make good the acquisition Whilst he was in Bergamo he sent some of his men toward Brescia under the conduct of Bartholomeo Martiningo to confirm the minds of those Citizens in their good affection towards the Common-wealth and to encourage them to make some Attempt against Cesars Souldiers intending that if any tumult should upon this occasion arise in the City to lead the whole Army thither with hopes to gain it Whereat Cardona being much troubled he caused Colonna's men to come unto him resolving to go into those parts to secure the City of Brescia and to endeavour the recovery of Bergamo And having brought all the Spanish Foot as also those that appertained to Sforza he went to sit down before Bergamo and began to play furiously upon the Walls which being very weak on the side towards the Suburbs of Santo Antonio were thrown down by the Artillery and there being no earth within to make Rampiers Renzo could not hope to defend the City against so great a force he bethought himself of providing by times for the safety of the Citizens and Souldiers He therefore articled with Cardona that in case no succour came in 8 days space from Alviano's camp he would yield the City up to him upon condition that all the Citizens Goods should remain safe and untouched and that the Souldiers might have leave to return to Crema But no succour coming within the prefix'd time the City according to agreement fell into the Spaniards hands and Renzo returned to Crema where finding great want of all things he made Truce for six Moneths but he did this of himself without the authority of the Common-wealth betwixt the state of Millan and City of Crema The Truce being made Renzo leaving Giovan Antonio Ursino commander of the Militia in Crema with 500 Foot and as many Horse he went with the rest of his men to Padua and from thence to Venice to give an account unto the Senate of what had past at Bergamo and in Crema as also to advise upon what was farther to be done He was very welcome to Venice and very honourably received he had refused as you have heard the place of Governour General of the Militia and there being no other place now vacant for him whereby to exalt him to higher Dignity the Senate did much increase his pay and gave him the Castle of Martinengo with all the Revenues and Rights belonging thereunto Cardona having gotten Bergamo turn'd towards Alviano who as you have heard was quarter'd in the confines of Verona And at the same time Pescara whose Forces were much increased by the Foot that were come from Germany prepared to assault our camp Wherefore Alviano resolved to retreat with his Army into Padua which he did so readily and so well advisedly as couzening the Enemy he got safe thither with all his men and carriages He sent first the light Horse towards Montagnana to entertain Pescara till such time as the Curassiers might together with the Commissary Dominico Contarini get into some place of safety But he himself having at the same time got together many Boats whereinto he put his Foot and Artillery falling down the River Adice till he came to Cavarzere he landed his men there and marching in by washy ways he brought his Army at last safe into Padua The Vice-roy finding that he had come too late to where our men were formerly quarter'd and that he had failed in his designs by Alviano's diligence he quartered his Souldiers some in the Territories of Verona and some in Polesine and went himself into Germany to negotiate the renewing of the War the next Spring Whilst these things passed thus and that Fortune appeared various and inconstant to the Venetians the City of Vicenza which was come under their Dominions kept always true and faithful to the Common-wealth though it had but a small Garrison within and so many Enemies Armies about it which was chiefly attributed to the diligence of some Citizens the chiefest of which were Gioraliâ—â— dalla Volpe Dominico Almenico Leonardo da Porto Bartolemeo da Nievo and many others who having gotten great store of men out of the Territories thereabouts kept the City excellently well munited Insomuch as Nicolo Pasqualigo who was the Podesta thereof and was resolved to abandon the City by reason of the few Defendants that were in it conceiving better hopes exhorted the Citizens to defend themselves and ordered all things so as the Enemies minds misgave them and they made no Attempts upon the City The Summer was spent in these slight skirmishes and with uncertain hopes of peace for what belonged to the Affairs of Italy But much greater things were done in Asia for Selino having led as you have heard many men into Persia met with Ismaels Army and got a glorious Victory of him in Battle which was chiefly occasioned by his Artillery the use whereof was unknown to the Persians It was hereby evidently seen that great mischiefs were threatned to other Kingdomes and Provinces by Selino who through these prosperous successes grew every day more haughty and insolent His thoughts in this point was easily discerned for that at the same time when he made so great Preparations for War with the Persians his Son Soliman by his Fathers directions enter'd the confines of Hungary in hostile manner with great store of Horse kept the Inhabitants of those parts continually molested and took some Towns which he annexed to his Empire Pope Leo to put bounds to this audacious power wrought it so as that a certain order of Militia should be raised in Hungary consisting of a multitude of men who being thereunto bound by Oath should promise to defend the cause of Christian Religion against the Infidels who had for their Badg a red cross and were called Cruciferi But it so fell out that what was intended for the good of that King proved almost his utter ruine for Arms being rashly put into the hands of the Country people who did greatly hate the Nobility they had means afforded them of committing much wickedness and of putting that Kingdom into farther dangers At which Leo being very much troubled as he himself affirm'd he turn'd his thoughts and endeavours to peace to which end he resolved to send Pietro Bembo a noble Venetian and who was then one of his Secretaries to Venice But many did suspect that Leo who was used to put on resolutions relating more to the present Affairs then to the future and to value only such as might make for his particular Interest and increase the greatness of his Family not caring for any thing else as but little relating to him had an eye likewise
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
being exhausted by the late wars they could not well find monies for so great an expence therefore they were forced to have recourse to other means amongst which they thought that to seize on the Tythes of the Clergy within their Dominions which were very many was a very good course which they endeavour'd to obtain of the Pope wherein they proceeded with him with much dexterity and humanity But yet they could not overcome many difficulties which stuck with him so as the business was protracted nay to a double displeasure of the Venetians he designed to lay two tenths upon all the goods of the Ecclesiasticks throughout Italy meaning to make use of these monies as he said in assisting the Catholick Cantons of the Switzers against which the Hereticks had taken up Arms. So as the Commonwealth was not only deprived of this benefit of Tythes which being to be taken out of the Incomes of their own Territories seemed imployable for the benefit thereof but occasion was thereby given of greater disturbances by the jealousies given to the Turks that these monies raised in the Popes name might be for the service of some League to be made against them Yet the Senate though they were deprived of these aids and of all hopes of ever attaining thereunto the Pope being mightily scandalized for that out of confidence of obtaining this favour they had begun a little too early to exact them would not delay making requisite provisions but overcoming all difficulties resolved for the present to arm fifty Gallies which were forthwith put to Sea in excellent order But this great noise of war did soon after cease of it self for Soliman being gone into Andrinopolis with intention as was given out that he might mind these preparations the better gave himself so to the delight of hunting and did so defer the affairs of war as he did not this year trouble any place with his Forces Yet the Venetian Fleet was not all this while idle the Sea being full of Pyrates who assembled together in great numbers infested all the Seas and disturb'd navigation and commerce But these were driven away in all parts and many of their Vessels were taken and destroy'd to the general advantage and to the great praise of the Venetians At this same time the King of Hungary though he kept himself in good order for war and that his forces were greater then Ferdinando's yet were it either that he did expect succour from the Turks for his greater security or that he feared the aid which Charles was said to prepare for his brother or that he desired to accommodate his affairs rather by treaty then by arms by reason of the little confidence he had in his own Subjects did not attempt any thing Thus Arms being suspended as it were by a tacit consent on all sides he sent Iovanni Lasco Embassadour to the Emperour from whom not being able to get any resolution Lasco past on to Ferdinand and meeting with no less doubts and difficulties touching his proposals in him he intended to go to other German Princes to treat of his Kings affairs with them but his safe conduct being deny'd him by Ferdinando he was forc'd to return to Hungary But King Iohn made it known by other means in the Dyets which were held in several parts of Germany and especially amongst the Hereticks that he might keep Ferdinand from being assisted by them that Soliman would esteem them his friends or enemies who should appear friends or enemies to the Kingdom of Hungary And leaving nothing unattempted he sent his Embassadours also to Venice desiring the Senate that they would mediate both with the Emperour and Pope to imbrace his cause and bring affairs to some composition wherefore the Senate knowing that King Iohn was resolved to try all extreams so as he might keep his Kingdom and that the Turks were still ready to defend him they that they might remove all new troubles and dangers from Christendome readily imbraced his cause and moved the Pope in his behalf But they could not do much good therein for the Pope were it either that he did rather favour Ferdinando then King Iohn or that he was really so minded seemed more inclined to have the business decided by Arms then by Treaty So as the rumours of war beginning again to be renewed and Soliman having more certainly published his resolution of coming with very powerful forces into Hungary to recover the City of Strigonia which was possess'd by Ferdinando the Pope sent his Nuntio the Bishop of Verona to Venice to require the Senate to delare what their intentions were and what they would do if the Turks should return with an Army into Hungary and to desire them that they would joyn with the rest of the Princes of Christendom in shewing their good will to oppose these common Enemies The Senators werâ— very doubtful what to do herein they were set upon on one side by their zeal to Religion and State Policy by reason of the great danger which accrew'd to the Commonwealth by the increase of their Neighbour the Turks forces who were Enemies to all Christian Princes And on the other side they were afraid they should find but little constancy in the Princes and that to shun more uncertain and farther distant dangers they might run upon such as were certain and present Their inward thoughts were very fervent but they cooled therein apace when they considered the nature of the business The Enemy being very strong and their friends not likely to agree in uniting their minds and forces and that these very things had been many times proposed rather to shew an appearance of zeal then out of any resolution or well grounded hopes of effecting the thing propounded So as neither totally imbracing this invitation nor yet seeming altogether averse thereunto they return'd this answer to the Pope That the desire of the good of Christendom was ancient and hereditary in the Venetian Senate but that as this made them readily willing to do any thing tending to the service thereof so did it grieve them that the present condition neither of times nor affairs would suffer them to shew it That the greatest Princes of Christendom were now at great odds so as there was small hopes that they would joyn their forces against these common Enemies That the Commonwealth was too weak of her self to oppose the Turks with any hopes of much advantage That they might affirm their State did confine for the space of two thousand miles leading from Cyprus to all Dalmatia upon the Turks in whose power there was always likewise great numbers of their Citizens and of their subsistances to a great value which things imposed upon them a necessity of temporizing with the Turks and which would not easily permit them to declare themselves their Enemies That they did notwithstanding very much praise the wisdom and piety of the Pope in fore-seeing and in providing against the dangers of Christendom but that
they did trust their too just and too well known respects would be both acknowledged and allowed of throughout Christendom But Ferdinando though he saw all these indeavourings of Leagues would prove vaine hoping that he might obtain better conditions by Armes then those that were profferd him by King Iohn despised all Treaties for he was already declared in the convention of Cullen to be the King of the Romans and Successor to his Brother Charles in the Empire and he had got many aids in the Diets held at Lins and Prague and hopes of greater succours from his Brother But the Venetians continued still in their indeavours for peace and having sent their Embassadours to Ferdinando to congratulate his new dignity they inserted many speeches wherein they exhorted him to imbrace peace and to make good the hopes which were conceived of him that as a wise and an excellent Prince he would above all things study the peace and good of Christendom Peace was the more indeavourd and desired by those who did sincerely desire the common good and considered the conditions of the present times because it was known that grievous Wars and the beginnings of other calamities were threatned elsewhere for the Kings of France and England finding that they had opportunity offer'd them of molesting the Emperour by reason of the necessity he lay under of defending the Territories of his own family and of the Empire from the Turks plotted several waies how to make War against him The former being moved by his antient desire of recovering the State of Milan the other by a new distaste conceived against Charls for defending his Aunt wife to Henry but who was by him repudiated through the desire he had of another Wife They therefore joyntly endeavour'd to egg on many German Princes against Charls who were not well satisfied with him and they themselves prepared for Arms So as it was imagined that nothing was expected to the making of War but that the Turks should be the first who should draw the Emperours forces into those parts whereof greater and more certain rumour now arose for Soliman who heard daylie of these intentions of the Christian Princes and thinking for the same reasons to find Cesar busied in several Wars at one and the same time seemed every day more resolute to defend and maintain the cause of his friend and confederate King Iohn and more desirous also to recover the reputation of his Forces which he thought was not a little lessened by his retreat from Vienna In the beginning therefore of the year 1532. he went to Andranopoli where he divulged what he intended to do and having before his departure shewed both in words and actions a great desire of preserving friendship with the Venetians he had given order for the expedition of the great Gallies which for the aforesaid reasons had lain idle in Soria and in Alexandria permitted all free commerce to the Merchants of that Nation laying aside the thought of reducing the business to Constantinople readily granted the carriage of Corn and Saltpeter out of divers parts of his Dominions giving many other signs of putting an esteem upon the Commonwealth and of his desire to continue peace with her But being intent upon assembling his Army he had sent orders to all the Spacchi of Greece these are a sort of men who serve on Horseback receiving a perpetual proportion of land granted them by the Prince to come and meet him well provided with Horse and Arms. He had likewise demanded such Auxiliaries from the Tartarians Wallacchi and Transilvanians as they were bound by Articles to send unto his Camp so as having taken the field and begun his march he had when he came neer the confines of Hungary about an hundred and fifty thousand souldiers amongst which there was twenty thousand gallant Janizaries all foot bred up from their youth perpetually and solely to this sort of Militia When Soliman was come with this his Army to Belgrado a Town lying in the lower Hungary he made it be proclaimed that he would give Battel to Charls the Emperour and assuring himself of victory he insolently threatned that he would drive him out of Germany and assume unto himself all the Rights and Territories of the Western Empire affirming them to appertain unto him as to the true Emperour and Lord of Constantinople But Charls had raised a no less powerful Army to oppose these Forces which he had gathered out of almost all the Nations of Christendom which was greater and gallanter then had been seen in many former ages and herewith he stayed expecting the enemy before the Walls of Vienna All mens minds were held in suspence touching what would become at this so great a rumour of War chiefly the Venetians who for other important reasons were much concern'd in this business and were very solicitous in expecting what the event would be but in their wishes they were for the Christians and permitted the souldiers of their dominions to go to the Emperour and did that underhand which they were not allowed to do in publique But truly it was very miraculous that so great a preparation for War should produce no notable effect on either side for Soliman without passing any further and sending only one of his Captains by name Cassone to pillage Carinthia and Stiria who was afterwards supprest and destroyed by the Count Palatine returned back to Constantinople and on the other side Charls not having ever stirr'd with his Camp from before the walls of Vienna for his Captains thought it not safe to quit that quarter that they might not go far from Danubius and go into the open champagnia whereby they might want the conveniency of that River and be exposed to the violence of Solimans so numerous Cavalry having received certain news whither the Turks were gone dissolved his Army suddenly and leaving a Garrison of Souldiers with his brother resolved to come himself in person into Italy and to pass from thence to Spain which gave the French occasion to upbraid him with this sudden departure when their King was at another time accused by Charls for keeping him from advancing against the Turks since as they said when he himself was in Arms and free as then from all other Wars he had not used opportunity of pursuing the enemy but suffered him to retreat with such safety and conveniency as that he carried away above thirty thousand Prisoners from off his Territories So as it seemed Cesar was to confess either that he had not forces sufficient or else courage and resolution to fight the Turkish Armies At this very time the Imperial and Turkish Fleets were gone forth very strong to Sea wherefore the Venetians thinking it became them both for the honour and safety of their State to Arm so as they might be provided for whatsoever should happen they resolved to add a great many Gallies to their Fleet and to constitute a Commander of great authority over
and Sea Captains meeting together they resolved to send the Gallies immediately back to Barbary and took order the mean while for curing the Turkish Captain using him civilly and excusing their fault by the errour of night When this News came to Venice the Senators were for the same cause greatly troubled and the rather for that the Harvest proving very bad this year and they having hoped to feed the numerous Inhabitants of the City with corn which they expected out of Turky from whence they had not only obtain'd transportation of corn but had begun to load divers of their ships therewithal they feared lest this offence might be done unseasonably For the Turkish Officers who were upon the shore side had already without expecting any farther Orders from the Court embargode the Venetian ships which were at the loading places ready to carry corn away For this it was propos'd by some that another Commissary should be chosen in lieu of â—analâ— who should be deprived of that place and sent for back to give an account of what he had done But this action was by others stoutly defended as done by military reason and worthy to be rewarded not punished for that it did not become the dignity and honour of the Commâ—nwealth which was so highly esteemed to punish or but to appear inclined to punish such servants who behaving themselves well and valiantly had discharged the trust imposed in them faithfully Thus these proposals being laid aside it was resolved by a joynt consent to send Daniel de Fedirici Secretary to the Pregadi to Constantinople who was a discreet man and well experienced in other affairs that he might justifie what was done viva voce to the Bascia and to Solimans self shewing the necessity which had inforced our Captain out of apprehension of the armed Vessels which came so near him and by the darkness of the night to fight their friends Gallies and that on the other side the sudden sending back of those and the good usage of their Captain might sufficiently prove their sincere good will towards the Grand Signior The admittance of these things was much furthered by the good offices done by Ebrahim and Gritti but especially by the new war of Persia on which Soliman having already fix'd his mind he would not promote any thing that might divert him from it Thus these commotions being honourably appeased at Constantinople Canale reaped the more praise and glory who dying not long after in the same charge the Senate in acknowledgment of his long and faithful service granted a certain annual Revenue in fee during Canales life time to his Son Antonio in the Island of Corfu Canale was certainly a gallant man in his time and very famous for his experience in Sea affairs and for his noble daring which made him easily attempt whatsoever difficulties These things hapned in the Venetian Fleet but that of the Emperours after it had tarried long about Naples and Messina went boldly on to relieve Corone though her Captains knew that the Enemy was very strong in those Seas And they were successful therein for according to their intention they brought relief to their men who were besieged in Corone and were already reduced to the utmost extremity But conceiving some better hopes afterwards of greater success and victory against the Turkish Fleet which leaving the way open to its Enemies did by its direct running away declare the weakness and fear thereof it proved by fault of the chief Commander or by the perpetual misfortune of Christendome vain and to no purpose Nay it may be said that this cowardise of the Turkish Commanders proved more prejudicial to Christendom for Soliman not satisfied with those to whom he had committed the Government of his Fleet and blaming their fear and want of experience sent for Cariadino nick-named Barbarossa who of a Pyrate being become a Prince did then command over the City of Algiers and gave him the charge of his maritime affairs This man was very expert at the Mariners art and having roved a long time with armed ships upon the Sea knew very particularly all the Christian situations and Sea-coasts about Barbary and had got a great repute by many prosperous successes against the Moors in the African Rivers and particularly by the rout which he gave the Spanish Gallies as they past four years before under the Government of Don Hugo di Moncada to Genua to find out Doria He may be said to be the first that taught the Turks how to manage a Fleet all things else belonging to the maritime Militia who had hitherto minded the grounding and increasing of their power only by Land Armies By his counsel the arming of Gallies with Slaves was first instituted which were formerly used to be armed with raw and unexperienced men by him were many other orders made whereby the Turkish Fleets are become more formidable to Christian Princes Soliman being resolved to make use of this man gave the Venetians quick notice thereof to the end that they might treat with him if they should meet him hereafter as with one that appertain'd to his Court knowing that he was continually pursued by their Gallies as one who had done them much prejudice And truely he was afterwards an Instrument of much mischief to Christendom and particularly to the State of Venice as shall be made known by what succeeded At this time for all these eminent dangers that threatned Christendom the Pope was notwithstanding so intent and more then ever fervent in his accustomed desires of exalting his Nephews and his Family as he had had secret Treaties with the King of France of a Marriage between Katharine to his Nephew Lorenzo de Medici and Henry Duke of Orleans the King 's second Son to effect the which he promised the King to come to Nize The News of this interview being noised abroad though the business which was there to be treated of was not certainly known did much trouble the Venetians chiefly because it was given out that the Emperour was to meet there also The actions of these Princes were therefore diligently observed by the Senators who had learned by what had pass'd at the Diet at Cambrai and by more recent affairs that all things ought to be apprehended and suspected from the ambition of Princes But the interview which should have been in Iuly being put off to September the true cause of this meeting was discovered for the better ordering whereof the Bishop of Faenza met at Nize for the Pope and Monsieur Le Grand for the King which freed the Venetians of their jealousies The Pope acquainted them afterwards with his designe and with the cause thereof wherein not concealing his intention of his Neeces Marriage any longer he thought to disguise it in other colours and that he did not look so much at his own particular interest in this Treaty as at the common good and the safety of Italy Which he knew and which
the House of Austria and out of those of the Dukes of Bavier and Cleves and of the Marquis of Brandeburg which Princes adhered unto the Emperour So as he might muster about 40000 Foot and 5000 Horse At the same time the protestant Princes whose chief Commanders were Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxony Elector of the Empire and Philip Lansgrave of Hesse endeavoured to get more Lords and German Cities to joyne with them and used all the means they could to encrease their numbers making profession to defend the liberty of Germany and causing those who joyned with them to swear fidelity to the Empire which they said Cesar would possesse himself of as of his own peculiar State and turn it into a tyrannicall Government Wherefore many chief Lords and Cities embracing this as the common cause took up Arms against Cesar as the Duke of Wittemburg the Count Palatine the Communalty of Argentine â—lms Franckfort and Noremburg the City of Auspurge being long before declared These sent their Embassadours to Ulms where a Dyet was intimated to treat particularly of preparations for war any where there was such a concourse of almost all Germany as thed soon got an Army of 80000 Foot and 10000 Horse with which Forces they hoped the rather to beat Cesar and to drive him as they said out of Germany for that they saw he could not raise any considerable Army of Germans they onely apprehended forrain souldiers and chiefly the Pope's Italian Foot which they being desirous to keep from comming they writ very earnestly to the Venetian Senate declaring the good-will they bore to the Common-wealth which was highly esteemed by the whole German Nation desiring them that they would not afford passage to those people which the Emperour sought to bring in to their prejudice and to enslave all Germany to the pernicious example of all other Countries The Senate replyed to this That they did very much cherish the friendship of those Princes and of all those people to whom they had alwaies corresponded with like affection and esteem of their particular persons and of the whole noble German Nation But that their Country being plain and open they could not hinder souldiers from passing through it unlesse by strong force of Arms which their Common-wealth was not wont to do unlesse to their declared enemies Soon after there came particular Letters from the Duke of Saxony and from the Lansgrave wherein declaring their designes and their necessities and that they had taken up Arms in their own defence they desired to be befriended by the Common-wealth with a certain sum of mony Which desires of theirs were much furthered and assisted by the King of England who employ'd his secretary therein he being then resident in Venice who presented these Letters The King was moved to defend the cause of these men though not altogether openly either for their joynt dissenting from the Church of Rome or for that he was not well pleased with Cesar for the agreement with France and that he was troubled at his greatnesse But the Senate continuing their wonted answers said That they esteemed those Princes as their very good friends and wish'd them all good successe but that they could not pleasure them in this lest they should offend other princes whose peace and friendship they desired to preserve These respects being set aside the Senate seemed very well minded toward the German Nation Also when the City of Auspurge had by expresse Letters recommended their Merchants to the protection of the Common-wealth many whereof were already in Venice and others came thither daily in greater numbers by reason of these commotions that their persons and goods might be safe For after this City had declared enmity to the Emperour they had received ill usage in other Cities where they had been for their own private affairs Answer was made that the people of that City and all other people had alwaies been welcome and well received as if they had been their own Citizens and that they would still keep all tearms of justice and civility with them The City of Venice keeps alwaies great commerce with Germany because of many things which come from the Levant which the Germans have need of and which are brought unto them by Venetian Merchants ships as Spices Cottons and severall other Merchandizes and likewise many other things which grow abundantly in their Country are brought to Venice and carried from thence to other parts to the great advantage of private men and of the publick customes wherefore for the better conveniency of the German Nation there was long before this a great and Noble Pallace or Warehouse built in Venice upon the Rialto standing upon the Canale Majore in the fairest and most frequented place of all the City where usually many of this Nation are and whereof many of them finding themselves so well treated live all their life chusing this City for their Country where they purchase Estates and build particular Houses to themselves Whilst all sides were thus intent upon making War and that a mass of Souldiers being got together they were ready to march news was given out that peace was made and though the conclusion thereof was not certain it was most certain that messengers were imploy'd on both sides to treat thereof whereat the Venetians were not a little troubled considering that when so great Armies were in Italy they might peradventure betake themselves to other enterprises and other States being unprovided might cause much apprehension in them all Therefore the Pope fearing lest the Senate might joyne in some straiter friendship and Intelligence with some others which might be contrary to his designs discourst long with the State 's Embassador shewing that he had been alwaies desirous to keep the peace of Italy for the Common good but that he had continually had a particular eye to what might concern the Common-wealth's safety and greatnesse he wisht him therefore to assure the Senate of his good-will and that he would keep good intelligence with him still which would be the way to preserve both their States and the rest of Italy quiet That he had renewed this his desire purposely at this time when he himselfe being armed and free from offence it might be believed that it was not fear but true zeal which made him thus unbowel himselfe unto them But the indeavours of Peace proving vain the Armies of both sides were drawn into the field in one and the same Country for though the Protestants which was the denomination they gave themselves who were in league against the Emperour by reason of their protestations made in matter of Religion indeavouring to do that for themselves which they could not get others to do to wit to stop the passage of such as came against them through Italy had possest themselves of the Castle of Chiusa in the County of Tiroll placed amongst the Mountains by which way they thought the Enemy was to passe But the Papall and
otherwise perswaded he neither could nor would do it without the approbation of the Princes and Hauns-Towns of the Empire as also without the advice of his own particular States so as it behoved him to take time and to expect the firm resolution of others who perhaps might have changed their minds by reason of what had hapned at Nicossia that he might not resolve upon a thing of so great concernment without great maturity and so much the rather for that he not being the principall in this League and yet there being a place therein reserved for him no respect of his did hinder the others from concluding nor did his delay exclude himselfe whereby it was evident that Cesar had no mind to interest himselfe in this War And the like intentions were seen to be in the other German Princes and Hauns-Towns for an other Convention being by order from Caesar propounded to be called in the Dyet at Spire particularly to treat of things appertaining to the League they answered That when his Majesty should be molested by the Turkish Forces they would not fail to lend him all their assistance but that they did not intend to enter into so sore a War unnecessited Therefore to keep the Embassador Soranzo any longer in that Court was but little for their honour and not at all for their advantage The Senate recalled him back to Venice and having destin'd Antonio Tiepolo Embassador to the King of Polonia for the same purpose who was already on his way when they received this answer from the Emperour they quickly sent for him back being firmly opinioned that that Nation though very warlike and an Enemy to the Turks and which had formerly opposed him all that they could though but unfortunately would not resolve to meddle in that war without they were therein accompanied by Caesars Forces But there were many reasons which made Caesar unwilling to declare himselfe in favour of this League For having but a little before been unfortunate in the tryall of his Arms against the Turks and added by the losse of Zighet to the prejudice and shame which Germany had received some few years before by that Nation at Buda and at Essechio in his father Ferdinando's time he had resolved not to put himselfe upon the hazard of war again unlesse much provoked or rather forc'd by necessity and therefore having made Truce with Sultan Selino he studied to continue it He likewise knew that the Authority and Forces of the Empire were great onely in name and appearance but that in effect the latter waâ— but weak and the former but of little esteem Nor could the Emperours promise themselves any assistance from Germany as well by the so many discords caused in her by the diversity of Government and Religion as also for that their greatnesse grew troublesoâ—â— the Imperiall dignity being become almost hereditary in the Hoâ—se of Austria and the words and exhortations of the King of Spain were not peradventure such as that he could ground his hopes thereon for that King knew that when the Emperour who was not able of himselfe to withstand the Turks should be molested by them in his own Dominions he must be forced in respect of his alliance and for having exhorted him to the War to assist him with monies and so to draw a burthen upon himselfe in a time when he was at greater expence elsewhere To these respects the doubt was added which Caesar had lest the entring into so tedious and difficult a War might be a cause of diverting him from that which he ought chiefly to aim at to wit at the making his eldest Son Rodolphus be chosen King of the Romans and at the establishing the Imperial dignity in his off-spring who had but little else to trust to and yet cloaking these his cogitations as much as he might he would not make the Venetians dispair of having him a Confederate in this War to the end that they might the more willingly imbrace it and break off all Treaties of Agreement whereby his Dominions might be much secured and hâ— might the better attend his own particular ends whilst this so formidable enemy being busied elsewhere suffered him to live quiet These were the treaties touching League against Selino which were this year begun with much fervency but ended fruitlesse as you may have seen Now let us return unto the Fleets The Venetian Generall being return'd as you have heard to the Haven of Cania partly because his Enemies were nigh at hand and his friends far off partly by reason of the season which was not fit for actions at Sea thought it a vain and rash thing to attempt the reliefe of Famagosta whither it was resolved that 1600 Souldiers should be sent in three Ships and that they should be secured by a convoy of 12 Gallies by reason that they heard that eight Turkish Gallies remained upon the coast of Famagosta to hinder them but Commissary Veniero prest very hard that that City might have as many more ships and as many more men sent thither for the better security and longer preservation thereof wherein all the hope of preserving or rather of recovering the Kingdom of Cyprus lay which not being able by reason of many impediments to be effected Veniero in that respect and much more of sicknesse which befell him tarried behind in Candia Marquiss Rangone Pallevesino was destin'd for the Captain of these men but he absolutely refused to go alleadging that being sent to go into Famagosta if Baglione were not there and if he should be there to go into Nicossia he was now free from any such obligation because the last was lost and it was certainly known that an other Commander was in the former the which being judged not to be a reason fitting to be given by a Souldier especially at such a time he incur'd some note of infamy thereby in the opinion of the Souldiery whereupon he being opprest with grief dyed not long after â—â—d Luigi Martiningo was chosen in his place to be the Commander of that reliefe who was then Governour of Caâ—e and who with much alacrity offer'd to undertake that service These directions being given in Candia the Generall thought fit to be gone from Candia as soon as he could so to ease that Island of the charge it had been at in feeding so many men and to free it from the fear of so powerfull an Enemy since Piali would not then have any occasion to winter in the Archipelagus so leaving Quirini in Candia with the Gallies of that Kingdom with some Gally-slaves and other three great Gallies he went with the rest of the Fleet to Corfu having escaped a great storm at Sea in his voyage and with much ado got into the Haven at Vatica where the Generall expected orders from the Senate either to stay there or else as he had advised to passe on into Dalmatia for the better acconchiating of the Gallies and for the furnishing of the
their best Warriers But it is time for us after so long and unpleasing a Narrative now to return to the Fleets where we shall finde wherewithal to make some amends for these miseries On the 24th of Aprill 〈◊〉 the three Generals were joyned together as hath been said at Messina with the greatest part of the Forces of the League wherewith they thought at first to go to Palermo that they might by getting nearer the Enemy cause some jealousie in them But this resolution being delay'd Iovan Andrea Doria and the Marquiss of S ta Croce came thither with some other of the King of Spain's Gallies and soon after the two Commissaries Canale and Quirini with 62 Venetian Gallies man'd in Candia which came somewhat late having met with contrary winds at Sea When they were altogether they amounted to the number of 220 gallies to boot with six Galleasses 25 ships and other lesser Vessels These forces being thought able to grapple with the Turkish Fleet a councel was held wherein the Commendadore Majore Pompeo Collonna and Commissary Barbarigo met and spoke their opinions and wherein it was by common consent agreed upon to part forthwith from Messina and go to Corfu as a fitting place to put on such resolves as they should see occasion for and to learn tydings of the Enemy Having therefore addrest themselves by humble Orisons solemn processions and other pious and religious actions to God the whole Fleet put from Messina on the 17th of September the first day they sayled with a prosperous wind to Calabria keeping a good order either for making way or for fighting that they might take all occasions they might meet with of fighting the Enemy Eight Gallies commanded by Giovanni di Cordona the Sicilian General went before the rest as Van-guard to the Fleet after which Giovan Andrea Doria went next with 53 gallies and after him followed the three Generalls with a greater squadron of 61 gallies and a little after followed Commissary Barbarigo with 50 other gallies the fourth and last squadron consisting of 30 gallies was commanded by Don Alvero di Bazzano Marquiss of S ta Croce the Neapolitan Generall but upon occasion of battel the Van-guard was to divide it selfe into two wings and to fall into such places as were appointed them and the first squadron lying to sea-ward was to make the right wing whereof Doria's Admirall was to lye outermost and the Admirall of Sicily next to the Battel the third squadron recommended to Barbarigo plying towards Land was to make the left wing wherein were likewise placed the two Commissaries Canale in the midst and Quirini in the outermost part inward as Commissary Barbarigo first on the out-side The second squadron made the Battel plac'd between the two wings in the midst whereof were the three Royall Gallies with the three Generalls Don Iohn Colonna and Veniero and next these on one side la Patrona Reale and the Admirall of Genua and on the other side the Commandadore Majore and the Admirall of Savoy and this whole battel was terminated on the right wings side by the Admiral of Malta and on the left by Lomeliâ—â—es Admirall and the fourth squadron lay behinde to be a succour to the rest The great Venetian Gallies were before the lesser Fleet about half a mile divided so as Duodoes Admirall was to be placed before the battel and that of Iacopâ— Guoro Before the right wing stood Andrea Pesaro and Pietro Pisani with their two gallies and before the left Antonio and Ambrogio Bragâ—dini with other two The ships were sent before with the men and munition to Corfu commanded by Cesare Davalos and Nicolo Donato but because the foot destin'd thereunto were not yet arrived being hindred as hath been said by the Enemies Fleet wherby the Venetian gallies were not furnisht with as many men as were the Spanish Don Iohn gave very readily way that they should be re-inforced with 1000 of the Spaniards Italian foot and with 4000 Spaniards which were with as much affiance received into the Venetian gallies Two dayes after the Fleet being come to the Cape of the Colonne where by reason of contrary winds and upon occasion of taking in some foot it staid a while Gilandrada was sent with his own gally and with three other Venetian gallies to Corfu to learn news of the Enemies Fleet whereof that of Caterino Malepiero return'd forthwith and brought news that the Enemy was past by within sight of Zante and was entred with their whole Fleet into the Gulph of Lepanto the mean while seeing the winds would not serve them to make for Corfu the Venetian Generall mentioned going towards Cefalonia whither they seemed to be invited by prosperous Navigation and hopes of meeting speedily with the Enemie but this opinion being laid aside and the first course being pursued the Fleet came on the 27th of September to Corfu and anchor'd at Casopâ— where having the same newes confirmed by severall advertisements and moreover that Uluzzuli was past with fifty sayle to Moâ—â—ne It was thought that these things being to be believed it was now time to come to some certain resolution The three Generalls therefore called a councell where not onely those did intervene who were usually admitted but many other Commanders and prime Personages who were then in the Fleet. Some were of opinion that they were to advance and fight the enemy But others being of another minde propounded other enterprises seeking to enterpose delaies yet to shew that they were likewise for trying the fortune of war but governed by better reasons they proposed the expugning of Naverino alledging that by taking this place which with so great forces they might easily do Modene would be thereby likewise much endangered so as the enemy would be forc'd to come out of their strong places and places of safety where they were and to encounter and hinder them so as by this means they might come upon more advantage to battle But it was clearly seen by many arguments that these things were propounded not with any minde of putting them in effect but of opposing such as were forwardest for advancing for at the same time it was granted by themselves that the season of the year was unfit for sea-enterprises and that this would meet with many dangers for that so great a Fleet would not meet with any friend's places or havens able to receive them That therefore they ought to consider well before they should take any such resolution as might make the enemy glory in a victory gotten without fighting That those to whose care the conduct of the Fleet was committed and whereupon the whole businesse did depend were to think as well of comming back as of advancing and not to suffer themselves to be carried so far away with a desire of undoing the enemy as to forget their own safety That the voyage of the Western Gallies to go to where they were to winter was long and difficult Besides great care ought
gallies being driven by a great tempest upon Regio and that of Iustiniano's being driven on land by a furious winde could not be saved But Soranzo being at last got to Messina he was honourably received and welcommed by Mark Antonio Calonna who lay there who excused himself for not having come further to meet him laying the fault upon the tempestuous winds And then comming aboard the Commissaries Gally they went together to Don Iohn who making Soranzo be met at the entrance into the Palace by his chief Major Domo and by other principall personages he received him with much honour and grace and seemed to be very glad of his coming Then Soranzo began to acquaint him with the reason of his coming he acquainted him with the present condition of things saying That his Highness's comming to Corfu was much desired by all where all their forces lay now ready 25 gallies and 6 galliasses all of them well fitted with all things necessary a great number of souldiers abundance of victualls and ammunition whereof there were 22 ships loaded That all that was now expected for their going forth to prejudice the enemy was the joyning of the Fleets which believing that they were in readinesse by reason of the great diligence which they knew was to be used in businesse of so great concernment he was come thither to give him an account of the Venetian Fleet and to wait upon him so Corfu That the Venetian Commander would not venture upon any attempt with those forces which they had in readinesse without his presence and fortunate conduct though they had been by many occasion invited so to do and by some others almost enforced by reason of the newes they had of the enemies weaknesse and of the injuries that they had done to their Islands That it was the Senates desire and the desire of every particular man that all things should be referred to him and that the prime glory of â—llâ—â—er priâ—es should be reserved for him That for this cause they had till now kept their whole Fleet within their own havens being confident that it would not be long before he would come thither That he was now come to Messina rather to wait upon him then to hasten his departure That it was too apparent of what importance every minutes losse was wherein occasions of greatly prosperous successe might be lost or whereby at least the reputation which they had won might be much lessened which could not be upheld but by speedy and generous resolutions the expectation which the world had conceived of the Leagues forces being very great and particularly of his worth and fortune That the last year one day was sufficient to beat the enemy and to make way for other victories that noâ— much more time would be required to vanquish them to bereave them of all their maritine forces and to make themselves Masters of their Forts That they were certain these considerations would make him use all possible speed and diligence in making the Fleet ready And that if his departure must be somewhat later then the businesse required doubtlesly it would be occasioned by the usuall difficulties which accompany great actions But that this small time which was let slip by necessity might easily be recovered by his ardent zeal towards the good of the League towards his own glory and towards the satisfaction of the Colleagues Colonna said almost the same things in the Pope's name shewing that he was very ready to favour the League and very desirous to hear that the Fleets were united All these things Don Iohn seemed to take in good part as answerable to his intentions he excused his past slownesse out of severall impediments and promised to use all possible diligence in putting 100 gallies speedily in order and 24000 Foot of severall Nations which were assembling for the service of the Fleet. But the effects were not answerable for there were not then above 64 gallies at Messina and there was no newes of the Duke of Sessa who was to bring those of Spain and the old souldiers who were ready to embarck being in arreers for pay refused to come on board unlesse they were satisfied for their former service for which there was no course taken Yet the Venetian Commissary was held in hand with severall hopes and promises from day to day the which that they might appear the more reall 3000 Italian Foot were embarcked in 30 gallies which were given in charge to the Neapolitan Generall it being given out that he should go with them to Corfu and there expect the comming of the rest of the Fleet. Thus time was spun on till near the end of Iune nothing being all this while done against the enemy nor was there any thing resolved what should be done the Pope's endeavours having prevailed herein no more than those of the Venetians For Don Iohn being oft solicited by Briefs and by an expresse messenger which was the Bishop Odiscalco sought to satisfie the Pope with good words and hopes affairs being brought to that passe as the Fleet was hallowed by the Bishop aforesaid and Processions and Orisons were made and a certain day appointed for their departure But at last Don Iohn not knowing how to justifie his so long delay or to gainsay so many pressures wherewith he was hourely solicited the Marquise of Santa Crose being come with the Neapolitan gallies and Don Iohn di Cordona with those of Cicily and his Admirall being already ready prepared which things had served before for some excuse he was forc'd â—o discover the truth That he could not remove with the Fleet towards the Levant by reason of new orders that he had received from Spain out of the fears which were had of the French commotions which had caused the keeping back of the Commissions and had made him keep those forces where they might be ready to defend the Kings Dominions This order being made known and the reason of the Fleets suspension whereby Soranzâ— found that it was in vain to perswade Don Iohn to depart with his whole Fleet and yet finding him well inclined to the good of the League that he might get as much good thereby as he could he thought it became him to endeavour the getting at least some part of the Fleet which joyning with the Venetians the honour of the League might be preserved and the forces which were ready at Corfu for any enterprise might be encreased But to shun assenting that without breach of League those forces might be detained which were obliged to serve the common interests of the associates he wrought it so as that proposall was made by Colonna upon which many consultations being had it was resolved that 22 gallies should be permitted to go to Corfu and 5000 Foot part whereof being to be had from Calaria was yet a further cause of delay These gallies were given into the charge of Gil d' Andrada Knight of Mâ—lta with title of the King's Generall
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
your Princes desires but labour by all possible means to confirm them in this their good intention nay solicite and provoke them indeavouring that as their interests cannot be separated in respect of Religion nor State so neither may their Forces nor minds be divided but united together by the firm bonds of charity and common safety so as they may become a terrour to those enemies whom rather our own discords than any worth in them hath made to undervalue us But let us overcome our selves and our affections and we shall easily overcome others The Forces of these three Potentates being firmly united will be such and so many as we may promise thereby unto our selves noble and assured victories Besides we do not doubt but that our example will invite the Emperour and all other Christian Princes to partake with us not onely in our labours and expence but also in glory We will use our authority with them will pray admonish and solicite them to enter into this holy League and not to be wanting to their common safety honour and duty to the end that howsoever our conscience may tell us we have not failed in any thing in the discharge of that place whereunto God hath called us And if it shall be thought that our presence may further the businesse and that our authority and example may move others the imperfections of old age shall not detain us from willingly exposing our life to all danger and labour to whom nothing can be more welcome then to die for the glory of Christ and for the good of Christendome The Embassadours and the two Cardinalls seeming to be much affected with these words humbly thanked his Holinesse and promised to lend all their assistance with sincerity and diligence in so important and pious a businesse and which was so much desired by their Princes as well for their own particular interests as for the common good of Christendom But all these vvords though much magnified by all parties produced not answerable effects for every one minding their own ends as those differ'd so differ'd they in their opinions and the conclusion of the businesse was spun out to an unseasonable length wherein many months were spent in vain The Pope deputed five of the chiefest Cardinalls of the Court to intervene in the Treaty in the name of the Apostolick See Alexander the Popes nephew Morone Cesis Grassi and Aldobrandino with whom when the two Spanish Cardinalls and the Spanish and Venetian Embassadours begun to treat they presently met with many difficulties The Signory of Venice because all her Territories by Sea are first exposed to the violence of the Turks and because the League lessened not the expence of so many Garrisons in their so many Cities and Maritime places and did not secure their affairs but that they were to be at greater expence and danger being desirous to reap some advantage which might be ansvverable to so many inconveniences propounded things which tended to the abating of the Turkish power and to the destroying of their Fleet and to the bereaving them of some of their Dominions that for the future they might not fear their forces Which things though they might also bring advantage to the King of Spain yet was not the event so certain nor the profit so apparent and at hand Therefore the King's Commissioners thinking that if their King's Dominions were not more safe were yet further from danger proposed temporising and rather to wait for the advantage of time then to expose any thing to fortune They therefore endeavoured the making of a perpetuall League and upon such tearms as tended more to defend themselves then to offend the enemy by which League the Catholick King would have reaped much good for by being as he alwaies was at open wars with the Turks he made use of the credit and forces of his friends without drawing a new enemy upon himself and by encreasing his power much at sea and carrying the war far off he freed his Dominions from the expence of Garrisons and from being molested by the Turkish Fleets which things did not onely not put him to greater expence but which is but seldom seen war brought safety and advantage to him For to boot with the lessening of his ordinary expence in maintaining souldiers in so many maritime parts he reaped so much profit by the immunities granted him by the Pope which were now the greater by the new concession of the Croysado in the Indies as did largely supply the charge he was at in his Fleet for during the League the revenues of the Crown of Spain were encreased to about two thousand millions of gold These were the Kings thoughts which were nourished and fomented by divers of his State-Ministers chiefly by some of those with whom the Treaty of the League at Rome was entrusted for it was generally thought that their opinions corrupted the Kings good intentions and was the occasion of depriving Christendom of the good which men thought might have been expected upon this occasion had it not been for them And yet they themselves that were the raisers of so many difficulties propounded contrarieties And as if they had thought it nothing to abase the Turks power and to save themselves from the present danger began to propound other things whereby utterly to destroy the whole Mahometan Sect and all their Empires constantly affirming that this League was to be declared to be not onely against the Turks but generally against all Infidells intending thereby also to extirpate the Moors and the Ottaman Empire being overcome to proceed on to the King of Persia to the end that Christendom might be for ever secured from these barbarous Infidells The vanity of which proposition appearing too plainly they bounded that Article afterwards within narrower precincts and would have ill Siriffo or King of Barbary and the Moors and others depending upon the Turks to be named as enemies to the League But notwithstanding when any thing of action was propounded they appeared to be very backward they would not consent to what the Venetians desired to wit That the forces of the League should be intended to continue for at least two or three years and that they should be such as might be employed in the greatest enterprises of the Levant for the common advantage of the Colleagues Against which it was objected That Princes could make no certain resolution in things which depended upon the variety of severall accidents that therefore they were to inform themselves of the Turks preparations and designes and resolve accordingly upon the Leagues forces and what they should do every year in Rome Which being but a semblance of satisfaction was thought would really hinder or retard all good successe the chiefest time for action being thereby to be spent in disputes This intention of the King's Agents aiming too much at their own accommodation and at the prejudice of the common cause appeared yet more plainly in other things more
especially in their constant opinion that the enterprises of Barbary should be particularly named in all the Articles of the War alledging that without this hope the King could not get that sum of monies out of Spain which was requisite for the expence he should be at in the League But the Pope who proceeded with great sincerity in all things and aimed onely at the universall good of Christendom sought sometimes to temper the Spaniards immoderatenesse by reason sometimes by seeming angry protesting that unlesse they came to a speedy resolution he would withdraw all those acts of favour and all those immunities which he had granted their King for the raising of monies to this end Nor was he wanting in using his endeavours with the Venetians he exhorted them to accommodate themselves even to such resolutions as might not be over advantagious encouraged them to hope well and promised that he would never abandon their cause nor be wanting in favouring and assisting them to his utmost The Cardinalls deputed to this businesse siding sometimes with the one party sometimes with the other that they might the more easily bring them together laboured very much to put an end to the Treaty Morone a man of much experience in the management of important businesses and very wel-spoken adhering often to the proposalls made by the Venetian Embassadours as those that aimed most at the common good endeavoured to remove the Kings Agents from their peculiar interests or rather to make them more capable of truth Is it not most true said he that by fighting the Turkish forces in the Levant where they are strongest the Catholick King will not onely secure the Spanish seas which he shall hardly do by the Affrican affairs but will also procure safety to his other Dominions for many years nay perhaps for ever For when the enemies Fleet shall be ruined and when he shall be weakened in the very heart of his Kingdom by the losse of places neer to Constantinople which is the seat of his Empire Who can doubt but that Algeers Tunnis Tripoli and other Towns that lie further off will suddenly fall without either pain or peril into the Kings power As on the contrary there is nothing more certain then as long as the Turks shall continue strong and keep their forces entire it will be a very hard matter to get those Towns and almost impossible to keep them of which we have late and assured experience since in that respect the Emperour Charls the 5th could never get the City of Algeers though he did very much desire it For it was judged it would be rashly done to attempt any such action in the summer when the Turkish Fleet would be at her strongest and if it should be attempted in autumn it would prove more troublesome more dangerous and no good would be got thereby by reason of the short time that the Militia could keep in field and by reason of the hasards at sea which the Fleet should be exposed unto But if such things were feasable certainly greater victories were not to be laid aside for them upon such an occasion as this nor were such hopes to be lost But time and occasion must be waited for to bring things to maturity and in the mean time the preservation of the Kingdom of Cyprus in the power of Christians and which was the chief cause of this Treaty should be endeavoured Wherefore to make any particular mention of the Affrican parts in the present Articles of this League would be nothing but to wrest it from its true end and vainly to beget jealousies in the Colleagues And yet I pray you what of tie or what of caution is had by these expresse words Is it not clear enough that the League being made against the Turk and against his Dominions it is to be understood that those places which he holds in Barbary are therein comprehended against which the forces of the League shall turn themselves when reason and the condition of affairs shall advise thereunto To do it at another time would be prejudiciall and not to be wish'd for by him who aimed at what was good Nor was it to be said that the Colleagues were at liberty to deferre the enterprise it was rather to be believed that they would all concur the more willingly therein the Venetians in requitall of the good they had received and the Pope seeing that now the greatest dangers of Christendom were over The King's Agents being convinc'd by these and by the like reasons betook themselves to other excuses saying That they would write to Spain to know the Kings pleasure more particularly therein Hereunto were added other difficulties for the Spaniards endeavoured to lay some note of jealousie upon the Venetians by obliging the Colleagues under the penalty of Ecclesiasticall Censure to observe what should be established by the League every one seeing plainly whither such a condition tended and how unequall it was in many respects chiefly because the Catholick King was free from any such danger by his own grandezza There were often disputes likewise touching who should command the Fleet in chief the Spaniards craving the prerogative not onely of naming the Captain Generall which was easily condescended unto but to substitute any other with the like authority in the absence of him that should be chosen So as diffidence encreasing by means of these things the businesse of the League began to cool very much which was begun with such fervour At which the Venetian Senate being the more troubled because it was far from what they hoped for at first they resolved to send another Embassadour to Rome deputed particularly for that Treaty to shew the Pope how desirous they were of a conclusion and their constant resolution to continue the war and also to put the more reputation upon the businesse by its being negotiated by two of the Common-wealth's Representatives and this was the rather thought fitting because the Embassadour Suriano had given occasion of speech that he had given way to some of those things which were yet in dispute nay such as had been alwaies gainsaid by the Senate Iovanni Soranzo was chosen for this Embassie who though he joyned very wisely with Suriano to have the League concluded yet meeting with the same difficulties he could do no good So as to the wonder and grief of all men the time was unusefully spent which should have been rather now employed in executing things resolved upon then in resolving upon what should be done At the same time the Treaty of the League was continued at the Imperiall Court but with no better successe for the Emperour having spent many months under severall pretences herein being desirous to keep from declaring himselfe as long as he could said at last that having made Truce with Selino for eight years whereof onely three were as yet expired he thought he was bound in honour to observe what he had promised But that though he should be