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
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
Prince of Orange to enter into the State of Milan thorow the Duke of Savoy's country with a good number of Lands knights but on the other side the Confederates being wholly bent to keep off all relief made several provisions many ships were preparing in Britany and at Marcelles by the King of France and some Ships that were taken as it was said about Genoua were armed at the common expence intending to put to Sea with a great Fleet and to hinder the passage of the Spanish Fleet Divers endeavours were had likewise with the Duke of Savoy that he might not permit the Imperialists to pass thorow his State But the greatest and most apprehended dangers came from Germany for it was said that Georgio Sfonspera an old Commander and one very affectionate to the House of Austria was raising great store of foot in Styria and allured men by the hopes of prey and that the Dutch Foot which were in the Garrison of Cremona being come to him he had got together above ten thousand Dutch Foot about Bolzano Divers things were therefore put in practice at the same time to hinder the passage of these men The practice formerly held with the Governour of the Castle of Mus was agreed upon not only the disbursement of five thousand Ducats the one half whereof was to be paid him by the Pope the other half by the Senate for the freeing of the Venetian Embassadors who were detained by him whilst they were passing into France but also that he himself should come in person with four hundred Foot to the service of the League wherewith he was to Guard the Lake of Como The Venetians sent likewise Secretary Nicolo Sangontino upon the same occasion to the Marquis of Mantua to desire him that though these men should be advanced he should not suffer them to enter into his State and because Artillery and Munition were preparing in Trent which made it be feared that Georgio Sfonspera would fall with his numerous men into the Territories of Verona the Senate raised therefore four thousand Foot more and made some Troops of Curassiers and of light Horse come from the camp they made Agostino da Mula Commissary General on this side Menzo and disposed of all things in order to fight and beat back the Enemy But the Dutch Foot came by the Valley of Lagni from whence they past quickly after to Poldrone which when our Commanders knew who were in the parts about Verona Camillo Orsino went immediately with the light Horse and some of the readiest Foot companies to Salo leaving the rest of the Army behind with orders that passing over the Lake of Garda they should come into the same place which not being to be done for it fortun'd that that Lake proved then as it somtimes is unnavigable Orsino could not march till it was too late to encounter the Enemy who were already well advanced Yet having possess'd himself of the passage della Corona a strait place and naturally strong he forc'd the Dutch who had already taken that way to go by the tops of the Mountains so as by very craggy and difficult ways they came to Gardo and from thence to Castilione and soon after they entred into the Marquis of Mantua's Territories thereby cozening the Commanders of the League who thought that the Dutch would have made towards Milan thorow the Territories of Bergamo but passing over the River Olio at Rivalta and afterwards over the Menzo it was thought that they would take their way either towards Piacenza or Pavia Wherein to hinder them the Commanders of the League thought it fit to divide the Camp into two parts with the one whereof the Marquis of Saluzzo taking with him the Switzer and Grison Foot to the number of ten thousand went to beyond the River Ada and quartered at Vauri near the strongly seated Cassano and the Duke of Urbin who conducted the rest of the Army consisting of as many Foot went to Sansino But George Fonspra being already got beyond them with his Foot and the Duke not able for wanâ— of victuals to follow him presently with his whole Army he made his light Horse and some Foot companies follow them in the Reer by whom the Enemy were much annoy'd and chiefly by Giovan di Medici who although the rest of the Popes Captains were gone stay'd in the Camp and took pay of the King of France but yet they advanced still and pass'd over the Po and the Duke of Urbin taking the same way with his Army came to Borgo forte from whence the Dutch were gone but a little before and caused a Bridg to be made to the end that if occasion should be he might pass his men over But Fonspere not knowing what way to go when he was got over the Po was cause of much suspention with the Colleagues and the Pope was chiefly much affraid beleiving that the Enemy would bend towards Bologna and peradventure pass into Tuscanie wherefore he pressed the Venetians very much to pass their men as soon as might be over the Po for the better safety of the Churches and the Florentines State but their own Common-wealth was not free from the like danger wherefore the Senate to satisfie the Pope as far as stood with their owne safety ordered Luigi Pisari who was in the Camp with the Marquis of Saluzzo that if any number of Foot should be demanded of him to encrease the Garrisons of the Towns belonging to the Church he should readily releive them Which Guiccherâ—ine demanding Babone di Naldo was sent thither with 1000 Foot They writ likewise to their Captain-General that if the danger of the confederates should encrease and theirs should lessen he should pass over the Po either with the whole Army or but with part of it according as occasion should require and as he should think best Which being by several accidents delayed this advice was altered and it was thought more expedient for the common service that for the present the Marquis of Saluzzo should pass over only with his men taking along with him 300 of the Venetian light Horse and some pieces of Artillery to be taken from their Camp The Popes danger and his fear also did much increase by the Enemies approaching near Florence for the Dutch having passed the River Nura and then that of Trebbia not being any ways disturbed by our men stay'd at Firenzvole where they expected to meet with the men of Milan But the Imperial Commanders finding it hard to make the rest march the Italian Foot and some light Horse went only thither at that time But the Senate being desirous to give the Pope all satisfaction sent new Orders to their Commissary to draw out some more men from their Army and to send them over the Po that they might joyn with those that were formerly passed over with the Marquis of Saluzzo Therefore Commissary Vetury went thither presently with 5000 Foot and some Troops of light Horse 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
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
THE HISTORY OF VENICE In the Times of Popes Iulius the 2d Leo the 10th Adrian the 6th Clement the 7th Paul the 3d Iulius the 3d Emperors Maximilian the 1st Charles the 5th Kings of Spain Ferdinand the Catholique Charls the 5th Kings of France Lodowick the 12th Francis the 1st Henry the 2d Kings and Queens of England Henry the 8th Edward the 6th Q. Mary Q. Elizabeth Dukes of Venice Leonardo Lordano Antonio Grimani Andrea Gritti Petro Laudo Francisco Donato Written Originally in Italian By PAULO PARUTA PROCURATOR of St Mark. Likewise the WARS of CYPRUS By the same Authour Wherein the famous Sieges of Nicossia and Famagosta and Battel of Lepanto are contained Made English By HENRY Earl of MONMOUTH LONDON Printed for Abel Roper and Henry Herringman at the Sun against St Dunstans Church in Fleetstreet and at the Anchor in the lower Walk of the New Exchange 1658. HENRY Earl of Monmouth TO THE READERS His Country-men IN my Author's Sololoquie in the latter end of his Politick Discourses wherein he gives you a short Relation of his Life He mentions this History of his which he terms Opera buona degna a good and gallant Work I took his own word for the Approbation thereof and truly I finde he hath made it good and if I have not injured him in making it speak my Language I am very confident you will be of my opinion for you will finde in it great variety of History handsomly woven and delightful intermix'd with Negotiations Treaties of Warre and Peace Leagues and Confederacies made between Christian Princes several Speeches and Orations made upon many several occasions and strongly argued and indeed whatsoever may make a Book seem pleasing to the Reader Which that it may do to thee is the wish of Thy Compatriot MONMOUTH An Alphabetical Table of the most Remarkable Passages contained in the Twelve Books of the present History of VENICE A ADrian a Fleming chosen Pope 196. He endeavours to compose the Differences thâ—â— were between the Christian Princes ibid. He honourably receives the Venetian Embassadors 197. He dies 204 Agostino Abondio Secretary hanged for revealing the secrets of the Venetian Senate 588 Alfonso Duke of Ferrara and his Designs 167. Is in League with the French and the Venetian 176. Hath many private Discourses with Burbon 244. Ioyns in League with the Princes of Italy 267 Admiral of France sent by King Francis into Italy with an Army 201. Draws neer to Milan and takes Lodi 202. Is driven out of Italy by the Imperialists and the Venetians 205 206 Andrea Gritti a prisoner in France 8. Is chosen by the Venetians for their Embassadour to that King 12. Comes along with the French into Italy 19. Is created General of the Venetian Navie 164. Is chosen Duke of Venice 204. Perswades the Senate to defend their Country 425 He dies 556 Andrea Doria a Genouese serves the Pope with eight Gallies against his own Country 231. Is suspected by the Colleagues ibid. Hired by King Francis to serve him 258. Qâ—lts the King of France and agrees with the Emperour 284. Censures past upon him for the business of Prevesa 440 441 Antonio Grimani chosen Duke of Venice after he had been many years banished 171 Antonio da Leva commands the Garrison in Pavia Comes with an Army into Lombardy 180. Routs the French Camp and takes their General prisoner 309 310. Goes to fall upon the Venetian Camp and is repulsed with loss 310 311 312. Is declared Captain of the League Is chosen Governour of Milan He dies The Authour what he proposeth to write of in this History 3. Whence he takes his Rise ibid. The great Army â—f Charls the fifth in Italy 315 B BArbarossa a famous Pyrate taken into pay by Soliman 339 Takes in the Kingdom of Tunis Driven thence by Charls the fifth Saves himself in Algiers Counsels Soliman to make War upon the Venetians 384. Takes some of their Islands in the Archipelagus and is Soliman's only General at Sea 420 421. Leads out the Fleet in the service of the King of France 593 Bartolomeo d'Alviano set at liberty by the King of France whose prisoner he was 12. Is chosen by the Venetians for their General 16. Takes Cremona and other places 17. Goes against the Imperialists 47. Fights Cardona and is beaten 48. Passes to Friuli and beats the Imperialists 70. Succoureth King Francis in Battel 113 114. Goes to assault Brescia 119. Dies before it 120 A Battel between the French and the Switzers near Novara 25 26. Alviano and Cardona at Olmo 48 49. King Francis and the Switzers before Milan 112 113 114. The same King and the Imperialists at Pavia 218 Bernardino Frangipane a Venetian Rebel 57. Seizeth on the Fort of Marano 58. He relieves Marano and routs the Venetians 60. Takes Strasoldo and Monfalcone ibid. Falls upon Ossofo 64. Is beaten thence 71. Taken prisoner and carried to Venice ibid. Brescia taken by the Spaniards 28. assaulted by Alviano for the Venetians 119. Much straitned by the Venetians 127. Relieved by the Germans ibid. Besieged again by the Venetians French 131. Assaulted by the Venetian and French Forces 139. Taken by the French and yeilded to the Venetians 140 141 C CAuses for which the Venetians may not easily fall out with the Turks 161. Why Charles the fifth drave the Turks out of Tunis Why Soliman turned the War against the Venetians 381. Why the Peace treated of between the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Francis King of France came not to a conclusion 416. What at last moved the Emperor and the King of France to make peace 603. The cause which moved Charls the Fifth to make peace with the Turks 608 Cardona General of the Spaniards in Italy 27. Takes in Brescia and Bergamo 28. Makes many shot at the City of Venice from Margera 38 39. Assaults the Venetian Army and is repulsed 45. Fights it and routs it 48 49. Recovers Bergamo 85 86. Charls of Burbone sent by King Francis into Italy 99. Left by King Francis to govern the affairs of Italy 129. Returns into France 139. Declared Lieutenant General for Charles the Fifth in Italy 203. He relieves Milan 229. Promiseth his Souldiers the sacking of Florence and Rome 224. Slain with a Musket shot as he scaled the Walls of Rome 250 Charls Duke of Burgondy Prince of Castile King of Spain 130. Stands for the Empire 162. Declared King of the Romans and Emperour by the name of Charls the Fifth 163. Intends to pass into Italy with an Army 165. Desires the Venetians to joyn with him 171 177 192. Makes a League with the Venetians 199. His Designs after the Victory gotten of the French at Pavia 221. Comes to an agreement with King Francis and sets him at liberty 224. Restores the Dukedom of Milan to Francesco Sforza 324. His designs upon Milan after Francesco's death 364. Cattaro assaulted by Barbarossa and defended by the Venetians 563 564. Clement the 7th Pope 204. Treats with
tryed both prosperous and adverse fortune and who was lately return'd to his Country after having been many years banish'd for that being General at Sea he had not made good use of occasion in fighting and in overcoming the Turkish Fleet at Lepanto Grimani took upon him the place of Duke the Common-wealth being as you have heard by what is past in Peace and Tranquillity But such seeds of discords and war between Princes were already sown as it was to be feared they might bring forth new troubles in the Common-wealth and perhaps necessitate her to take up Arms again for Cesar who was already gone to Aquisgrane in Germany where he took upon him the first Crown of the Empire had still a great desire to come into Italy wherefore he had often times sollicicited the Venetian Senate to joyn with him thinking that the Friendship and Forces of the Common-wealth would be of great importance for his designs Therefore amongst other things he promised to invest them fully with all those Towns and Territories which he then possess'd and unto which the Empire laid any claim or pretence which the Venetians who knew that by just title and right they had long belonged to them did little value and therefore this was of no greater force then his other promises to make them alter their first intentions Wherefore they delay'd sending to congratulate with him according to custom for his acquired Dignity and having chosen Francisco Contarini for their Leiger Embassadour in the place of Gaspero Contarini who had stay'd at that Court the usual prefix'd time lest they might give any the least suspition to the French of their joyning with Cesar in any undertaking they retarded his expedition Wherefore Cesar dispairing to make the Venetians forego their friendship with the French he took a new resolution which was to send Monsiâ—ur Philiberto Embassadour to the Court of France with a resolute intention as he would have it believed either to agree with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy excluding the Venetians or else that they being jealous thereof might at last be moved to joyn with him so to shun the greater evils which they had a little before had tryal of by the joyning of those two Crowns against the Common wealth And that he might leave nothing unattempted he by his Embassadour who was then resident in England complained grievously to the King thereof whose Authority was then so great as he was made Arbitrator and Moderator of all the important businesses which past amongst the Princes accusing the Venetians for that not having observed what they had promised in the Agreement made with Maximillian they had refused peace when he had offered it them But the Princes did the less believe these things for that Cesar at that same time that he seemed so much to desire peace was known to prepare for war Therefore King Francis acquainting with great sincerity the Venetians with this whole Treaty would not listen to Cesars Proposals but growing rather every day more and more desirous either to fall foul upon Cesars Territories or else to defend his own Dominions from being assaulted by him he applied himself to confirm his friends thereby to increase his power and reputation he therefore spoke with the King of England at Ardes a Town in Picardie to confirm the peace made between them but a little before and having a daughter born unto him he desired the Senate that she might be held at the Font by their Embassador and proceeded very civilly in all things with the Commonwealth But for all this the League which had been long treated of at Rome was not yet concluded but the Articles being drawn up by common consent and the Venetians having sent sufficient Commissions to their Embassadour then resident at Rome to ratifie them the Conclusion was defer'd by reason of new difficulties which arose For the King of France who was at first content that the League should aim onely at the peace and safety of Italy to the which the other Italian Prince being invited there was place reserved for such as would Confederate to the end that they might join in the Common cause made now new proposals which aimed at other ends moved thereunto either out of new desires or out of some new occasion seeing Cesar busied about many weighty affairs for there were many Commotions in many of the chiefest Cities of Spain which in a tumultuous manner sought to withdraw themselves from Charles his Government and constituting a popular Government to injoy Liberty as many Towns in Germany doe Besides many of the Princes and people of Germany shewed themselves to be but badly satisfied with the new Emperour for divers of his actions especially for Luther's being banished by Imperial Proclamation at the Dyet at Wormes so that he had reason enough to be troubled Wherefore the King of France thinking that those dangers were sufficiently secured which had first made him endeavour the League being little satisfied therewith as humane mindes especially those of Princes disquieted with new longings are easie to give way to new desires he more fervently coveted greater matters thinking that he had now a fitting opportunity offered him to oppose Cesar's greatness which did already grow too immoderate and particularly to drive him out of his Territories in Italy wherefore he made his forces move towards Navarre to assist the King and repossessed him of his ancient States which were formerly taken from him by King Ferdinando and did little less then discover his intentions openly in the Treaty of League with the Pope and Venetians The Pope moved by these or by some more hidden reasons he likewise being full of new cogitations began to propound new Articles in the conventions of the League desiring that it might be specified that all the Colleagues should be bound to assist him in punishing the Churches contumatious Subjects whereby it clearly appeared that his ancient desire of driving Duke Alfonso d'Este out of the Dominions of Ferara was risen up in him again which was nothing else but to kindle a great combustion in Italy for the less able the Duke knew himself to be to resist the power of the Colleagues by reason of his small forces and the little love his Subjects bore him the more he should be inforc'd to have recourse to Forraign aid for his defence and to leave no stone unturned The Venetians knowing that whereas they desired to procure quiet and safety both to themselves and to all Italy the way would by these new Obligations be opened to new troubles and to greater dangers they began likewise to proceed more slowly in concluding the Agreement For they maturely considered that it made not for their good wholly to break the Truce for five years confirmed by Cesar and to anger the King of England who they knew would not be pleased with the new Confederacy he having done many friendly offices to the Emperour Whilst the business
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
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
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
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
sometimes urged the examples of other Popes who had at other times readily assisted the Venetians against these enemies to the faith of Christ sometimes he remembered the services done by the Common-wealth to that See for which she had alwaies so readily exposed her forces against powerful Princes But he oftest mentioned the great eminent danger of the other Christian Kingdoms and chiefly of the Church-Dominions if the Common-wealth of Venice should be weakened which was held by all men to be the surest Bulwork of Christendom The Pope being by these perswasions wrought upon very much to defend the Venetians shewed a very great zeal to the common good and an ardent desire to provide for what was needfull for this War and to assist and sustain the Common-wealth that her dignity might not be supprest by so potent an enemy nor her dominions and forces weakened Yet calling to minde what had been done formerly upon like occasions by other Popes and lately by Paul the third in the League made against Soliman he desired to be pardoned if he did not all he desired to do deploring the condition of his times wherein the monies of that See were much exhausted and also by reason of the commotions in France wherein the City of Avignon was much indangered being put to great expence and trouble Therefore though he often moved in the Consistory that the defence of the Venetians might be embraced that they might be assisted in this their necessity and though their cause was approv'd of in the Colledge of Cardinalls and generally favoured yet they came to no particular declaring what they would do onely it was granted at the first that they might raise 100000 Duckets for the maintenance of that war by a generall tax upon the Venetian Clergy from which no Prelate of what condition soever should be exempted The Pope propounded afterwards that the King of Spain's Gallies might speedily joyn with those of the Venetians whereby to make a powerfull Fleet to oppose the Turks and to disturb these their first designes And that in the mean time a League might be treated of with the said King and the other Princes of Christendom whereby their forces might for a long while be established to oppose the Turks And having made this be signified to the Senate by the Embassadour Suriano exhorting them to assent to this proposition and to put this businesse into his hands who as the common Father would be very zealous of the good of Christendom and would have a particular care of the good of the Common-wealth He found them all very well inclined to follow his authority and advice He resolved at the same time likewise to send Ludovico de Torres Clark of the Apostolick Chamber into Spain to Philip of Austria the Catholick King to exhort him to assist Christendom readily against Selino Ottaman enemy to himself and to the Catholick Faith which he did particularly professe to protect as by the glorious name acquired by the pious and generous actions of his Ancestors he was bound to do He therefore laid before him the great danger wherewith divers States of Christian Princes were threatned by the Turkish Fleets which though it was given out they were intended against Cyprus yet was it not certain but that they might easily and speedily fall upon his Dominions which though they were not for the present molested with war yet were they in the future the more exposed to the incursions and assaults of the Turkish Fleets when the Venetians should be weakened in their Maritime forces and the Turks Empire encreased So as he was to esteem the interests of that Common-wealth inseparably joyned with his own That the Ottaman Empire was a common enemy to all the Potentates of Christendom and more strong and powerfull then any one of them apart But that if all or most of the Christian Princes would joyne together they would exceed the Turks in power and might hope not onely to resist them but perhaps to beat and conquer them That the King was to consider that if he should not aid the Venetians at this their so great need he would lose much honour amongst the Turks making either his weaknesse clearly appear as if the Moors insurrections were sufficient to keep him so employed as that he could not make use of his forces elsewhere or else that he held but bad intelligence with the Common-wealth or with other Christian Princes by not moving against his enemy being invited by so fair an occasion but abandoning the common cause That he had used the same endeavours to the Venetians who had readily referred all things to him promising to stand to all that he should decree nor was their truth herein to be doubted since they knew by experience they could not ground any safety to themselves by peace with the Turks Moreover that great respect would be given to his authority since he had the spirituall arms in his hands and did declare himself to be the head and manager of all this businesse These things were prudently and effectually represented to the King of Spain in the Pope's name by Torres who presented him likewise with a Brief wherein the Pope did much deplore the miseries of the present times remembring therein particularly the many mischiefs which Christendom had suffered in severall parts through the wicked conspiracies of men branded with heresie and severall infamous vices who rebelling against God and against their Princes had with much audaciousnesse and fury shaken severall whole Provinces of Christendom and sought to corrupt the into grâ—ty of the Catholick Faith To which inward grievances other mischiefs and greater dangers were added by forrain enemies Soliman having attempted by great forces to bereave Maximilian Cesar of the remainders of the Kingdom of Hungary which fire of war was likely to have burnâ— forth throughout all Germany had it not been extinguished by Soliman 's death But that now new combustions and calamities did seem to threaten Christendom that therefore he knew it became him to have an eye to these commotions and to denounce so great dangers to Princes wherein he was to addresse himselfe chiefly to the Catholick King and to excite him to be the first that should embrace the defence of Christendome since God had endowed him to that purpose with greatest power and command That for what concerned himself he would not be failing in any thing that lay in him nor in pouring forth prayers continually to God that he would look with the eyes of mercy upon our actions These were the endeavours used by the Pope to the Catholick King who listning thereunto with much benignity and attention seemed to be very much rejoyced thereat shewing a very good inclination to the common welfare and to put an high esteem upon the Pope's authority and advice But because the King was then in Cordua and was to expedite the affairs in the Courts of Castile he excused himself that he could not give a positive
the French but that she might the rather recover her liberty by means of their Forces so much the more easily for that being now Lorded over by several powerful Princes every one of their Authorities would become weaker and less formidable and one not bearing with an others greatness it might so fall out as she might shake off the yoke of all forraign Nations That if she should now sit down by so great injuries done her by her Collegues she would assuredly be hereafter scorn'd by all people and injur'd without any manner of respect that this might be argued by the French mens so much desiring amity with the Common-wealth for no other reason save only that they knew how generous and powerful she was by the revenge which she had taken of them From this diversity of opinions and contention the advice for War or Peace was carried on uncertainly The doubtfulness of the thing it self was rendred yet more doubtful by the nature and condition of those with whom they treated For the Emperour Maximillian was of a lively Spirit able Body patient in undergoing Labor and with all was well acquainted with Military Affairs But his driâ—ts and affections were contrary to one another He was hasty in Council his Speech and Actions differ'd he willingly imbraced all that was presented unto him but did not much minde the effecting of them The Name of the Empire was large and magnifick but this Dignity was rather sustained by an appearing greatness then by any real strength It was otherwise with King Lewis the power of whose Kingdom was very great and his desire of War no less But his desire of Dominion was such as he made it lawful to break his word and to violate all Justice which the Venetians were sufficiently taught by the remembrance of their late received Injuries Therefore as his Friendship seemed in some respects greatly desireable so in some other it was as dangerous and suspitious No certain hope was to be built upon the Popes nor the King of Spains promises their assistance being weak and uncertain and their Counsels not very sincere which was sufficiently witnessed by their past Actions So as it might easily be known that their thoughts were set only upon their own particular designs not upon the preservation of the Common-wealth Hence it was that the hopes and hazards of War were equally poysed The Senators opinions being thus divided the good Fortune of the Common-wealth did at last decide the business which had destinied her to a larger and more lasting Empire For this business being long discust by the Colledg of the Savii who are sixteen pickt out by the Senate distinguisht amongst themselves by several degrees of Dignities and by distinct Offices to whom it belongs to advise of all publique Affairs and report them to the Senate it was by a joynt Vote propounded that by all means the League was to be made with the French whereby the Common-wealth might be freed from the Treachery of the Confederates The Senate was well pleased with the agreement and with almost an universal consent the renewing of the War was agreed upon and that the business might be the more easily proceeded in they not having of many days received any Letters from Gritti the Senate sent one speedily away to treat the business with the King and Luigi di Pietro Secretary to the Council of Ten was chosen out to this purpose He was enjoyn'd first to endeavour Gritti's liberty if it were not already granted him For the Senate had at the same time chosen him for their Embassadour authorizing him to confirm the agreement and to bind the Common-wealth by oath to the observancy thereof but that if Gritti's setting at liberty should be too long delayed that he himself should act that part with the King that he should leave nothing undone to get Cremona and Giaradada to be restored to the Commonwealth but that if he should finde no hope thereof he should not notwithstanding delay setling the agreement provided that things agreed upon should imediately be put in effect and that the Kings men should forthwith come into Italy For all the hopes of Victory seemed to consist in making haste and in the terror of a sudden War whilst the Enemies being but yet weak might be easily supprest But before the Secretary could get to the Court of France the Pope unexpectedly dyed notwithstanding which News he was not sent for back it being uncertain who should be chosen next Pope and no less uncertain how he would stand affected to Venice and howsoever the Senate thought the Friendship of so great a King must be a great Establishment and Reputation to their Affairs It was said that a great affliction of mind was the chief cause of Pope Iulio's death for being very much subject to passion and immoderately desirous of Glory he could not long lye under the grief hearing his advice mightily blamed by all men That by his too much severity he had forced the Venetians to make Friendship with the French and was cause of re-kindling the War in Italy which not long before he had much to his Praise extinguished It was evidently seen by many signs that Iulio was of a very eager Spirit which neither his Age nor Dignity was able to correct or temper As soon as the Secretary was come to France the King granted Gritti his full Liberty and the League was suddenly concluded upon these conditions That Cremona and Giaradada should be understood to be annext to the State of Millan and to belong unto the King but that Brescia Burgamo and Crema should remain free to the Venetians and that the King should quit all his Claim or Right therein to them That the Collegues should be bound to assist each other and to run the same fortune in War till such time as the King should be Master of the whole State of Millan and that likewise the Common-wealth should be re-invested in all that she was possest of in Terra Firma before the War That all Prisoners on either side should be set at liberty and restored to their Goods and Countrie and that free commerce might be granted both in the State of Venice and in France It was afterwards added that by joynt consent they should use all diligence to draw any Prince of Italy into the League and particularly the Pope who if he would enter thereinto should be allotted the first place The League being thus concluded and establish'd by Oath on all sides free power to depart the Kingdom was permitted to Gritti to Bartholomeo a' Alviano and to all the other Prisoners Things being thus disposed of and confirmed the Senate thought it was fit to give an account thereof to the other Kingdomes and chiefly to the King of England which by publique order was done by the Common-wealths Embassadour then resident in that Court Who said That the Venetians moved by the Counsels and friendly Advertisements of that King had the more
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
interim many Colours of the Switzers came opportunely to Millan commanded by Alberto Pietra to the number of 4000 of the Cantons of Seduno and Berne who were very welcome to the Souldiers and Citizens By their coming the faces of things altered all fear fled from the French to the Imperialists for the City being munited by such supplies so as it was not to be taken but with expence of much time and labour they within thought themselves safe enough since Cesar could not tarry long before the City for want of money victuals and of all things necessary Wherefore the French began to be of better heart and on the contrary Cesars hardships grew daily greater and greater But he was chiefly troubled with jealousie of the Switzers for calling to mind the past and present affairs he found that there were many of that Nation as well in his camp as in the City whom the French might easily win over unto them by their moneys which he could not so easily do by reason of his want thereof Moreover that that Nation had always unless it were upon some occasions in these latter times been great friends to the French And that they had always hated the greatness of the Emperours These considerations occasioned much fear in him and took from him the chief ground work of his hopes of Victory He likewise thought with much more commotion of mind upon Sforza's latter fortune near Novara where he was delivered up into the hands of the Enemy by the perfidiousness of those people He therefore held it the better counsel to free himself from that danger by reason of the Switzers fickleness At last his mind being agitated by such like thoughts as these and fear growing more powerful in him he resolved to quit his Army without having attempted any thing and to return himself into Germany Wherefore taking only 200 Horse along with him he gave out that the cause of his departure was only to provide monies for the payment of the Army and that he would speedily return to the camp But the Souldiers seeing their chief Commander gone began every one to do what he thought best for himself The Switzers went to Lodi and ruinating the Country every where sack'd the City And would have continued to commit the like Out-rages had not the Switzers which were in Millan protested that unless they would give over those injurious Proceedings they should be forced to come out against them together with the French and Venetians so as Switzers fighting against Switzers they were to imbrue their hands in one anothers blood The former Switzers for this respect forbearing doing any other damage after having made some peaceful abode in those parts some few days returned all of them to their own homes except it were some few companies who went with their Commander Morco Setio to the custody of Verona whither Colonna went also with his Horse and with the Spanish and Dutch Foot who were before drawn out from that Garrison The rest of the Spanish and Dutch Foot returned by several ways into their own Countries having been much prejudiced in their journey by the Venetian Horse Soon after the Emperours departure came the Marquess of Brandenbourg to the camp with a certain sum of money who though he did his best to rally the Souldiers that dis-banded yet things being already grown to great confusion and the Moneys that were brought not being sufficient to satisfie all he could doe no good Thus a great Army which was at first so formidable to the Enemy being in so short a time vanisht to nothing not any danger at all having befalen it may teach us that men are oftentimes deluded in their Councels by various accidents and meet with much unexpected ends And that we are often times deceived through hopes and fears arising out of meer opinion without discerning any thing save the first appearances In this preturbation of Affairs the no great good will which was between the Pope and King of France began to be more manifestly known sprung from former reasons which were unknown till now for King Francis complained that the Pope out of some bad intention had forestowed the sending of such recrutes unto his Army as by agreement he was bound to doe that he had privately incited the Switzers against him and had given many other signes of his bad inclination towards him Certainly 't is worthy note since occasion leads me thereunto with how many several affections and sometimes contrary within themselves the mindes of Princes are agitated Pope Leo and King Francis thought when they parted at Bullen that they had sufficiently provided for their Affairs and that the Friendship and League that was confirm'd betwixt them was likely to last long and to be cause of much safety to them both But soon after construing the same Affairs otherwise they began to doubt that the things agreed upon between them would not be observed so as each of them grew jealous of the other The Pope being conscious how bitter and open an Enemy he had already shewed himself unto the French how often he had abused their hopes under a fained pretence of Friendship that even then when they were in treaty of reconciliation he would not satisfie him in many things prest hard upon by the King in behalf of his Friends and Confederates began to doubt the King of France could never be his true Friend Moreover calling to minde the many injuries done by the two preceding Kings Charles and Lewis to the house of Medici he could not perswade himself that then when the French hoped to get some principal places in Italy King Francis could willingly tollerate the greatness of Lorenzo de Medici should still increase whereby he had opportunity given him to revenge the ancient injuries done to the prejudice of his reputation and to the States which he held in Italy On the contrary the King thinking that the same reasons remained still which had formerly disgratiated him with the Pope and that this the Pope's ill will towards him was the more increased by how much his power was increased in Italy and was become more formidable to him interpreted all things to the worst and according to this his aprehension that Leo had concealed his truest intentions from him that it was necessity which had made him accommodate himself to the condition of the times at their meeting and that as soon as he should meet with any means of hurting him this would evidently be seen The Venetians labour'd oft to free these Princes of these suspitions and sought by all means how to reconcile them for they knew how much it imported the strength and reputation of the League that the Pope King of France and Common-wealth should hold true intelligence together and did of all things abhorre to be necessitated to take up Armes against the Church wherefore passing by the injuries they had received from Leo they desired to have him less their Enemy The
and from so many cross and calamitous events of War on Terra firma to greater and more grievous dangers for the safety of others at a time when the other Christian Princes being bent upon their private and present Interests did not mind the publique cause of Christendom Adriano Fiorentino by Nation a Low Country man was now chosen Pope a man but of mean Parentage but highly esteemed by all men for his goodness and learning as also by reason of Charles the Emperours grace and favour whose Tutor he had been He took upon him the name of Adrian the sixt and departed soon by Sea from Spain where he then was to Nise and from thence to Rome Whither many Prelates and Embassadours from Princes flocked from all places to do their wonted obedience The Senate of Venice sent six of their chief Senators in a solemn Embassie to Rome to present themselves according to custom before the Popes feet To wit Marco Dandalo Luigi Mocenico Vicenzo Capello Antonio Iustiniano Pietro Pesaro and Marco Foscari Who being gone as far on their way as Bologna staid there because the Plague was grown very hot in Rome and the infection still increasing so as the Pope himself was forc'd to quit the City they after a few days returned to Venice The Pope wish'd very well to concord and general quiet and was very zealous of the welfare of Christendom for as soon as he took upon him the Popedome he set himself wholly upon accommodateing of differences between Princes and sent Briefs unto them all wherein he piously and efficaciously exhorted them all to lay down the arms which they had taken up one against another that they might turn all of them joyntly against the Turks the common Enemy who threatened grievous and instant danger to Christendom and had now assaulted Rhodes with so great a power threatning ruine to others He gave many grave and fatherly admonitions in particular to the Venetians exhorting them not only to dispose themselves to peace but that they would together with him indeavour to accommodate the differences which were amongst other Princes to the end that they might at last joyn all of them in a firme League and oppose the power and greatness of the Ottomans But finding the Princes very slow and cool in embracing his rememberances and on the other side the dangers of Christendom increasing for the Island of Rhodes was already taken by Soliman with a powerful Army the Pope thinking it became him to proceed more severely in this business he made his Legates who were resident at all Princes Courts to present them with Monitories whereby he made all such lyable to Ecclesiastical censures who did not within the space of 3 Moneths apply themselves to accept of the universal Truce which was propounded and treated of And because the differences which were between Caesar and the Venetians was a principal impediment to the bringing of this business to a good end he offer'd to take upon himselfe the care of accommodateing all their difficulties The mean while he desired that a League might be made between the Church the Emperour Venetians the Duke of Milan and the Florentines for the deâ—ence and quiet of Italy Which thing though it was known to be of it self very good and advantagious and was willingly listned unto by the Senate yet there arose some difficulty in the manner of the Popes propounding it whereby it was clearly seen that the end of this League aim'd at the taking up armes against the Turks by which vaine rumour the Venetians feared lest they might provoke the anger of a most powerful Prince against them who was now more proud and puffed up then ever with his new victory So as they might be the first and peradventure those alone who were to withstand the violence of his Forces The aforesaid Embassadours were therefore more speedily dispatch'd away from Venice to doe their obeisance unto the Pope and that they might inform him with their rational respect and therewithal ascertain him of the Senates good will alwaies ready and disposed to peace and true quiet with Christian Princes and no less ready to wage War with the Turks when they should see it might be done joyntly and with Forces fitting to suppress their power The Embassadours were honourably received by the Pope who commended the Senates good intention promised to inlarge their priviledges and that he would so handle the League as that it safely might be imbraced by the Common-wealth hoping as he said that when he should have any earnest of the other Princes good will the Venetians would be the forwardest and most servent in providing for the safety of Christendom and in preventing so many eminent dangers The Venetians did not this mean while intermit the treaty of agreement with Cesar but to the end the particulars thereof might be more commodiously treated of the Senate deputed three Senators of several orders of the Colledg to wit Luigi Mocenico Counsellour Georgio Cornaro Savio of the Counsel and Marc Antonio Veniero Savio di Terra firma To negotiate all things thereunto belonging with Adorno The chief difficulty lay in finding how to accommodate things which were taken by all sides in time of War Cesar propounded that all parties should keep what they were then possess'd of but the Venetians desired that all places which were usurped should be restored and that all jurisdiction should returne to the same condition it was in before Whereunto was added that Cesar would have the Venetians bound by vertue of this confederacy to defend not only the State of Milan but the Kingdom of Naples also generally against all men the which the Venetians refused to do For to oblige themselves to take up Armes against the Turks seemed so dangerous as the safety of this League did not counterpoise it and that by sending their men so far from the State would more weaken their affairs then Cesar's friendship could secure them Moreover this League aiming at the defending of Charls his Territories in Italy from being offended by the French the Kingdom of Naples was thought to be safe enough by defending the State of Milan the condition of times and the Commonwealths occasions required that before all other things regard should be had to keep friendship with Soliman who had a great Army ready to assault Hungary as he did afterwards so as it was wisely done to shun all occasions of irritating a powerful Prince whose friendship they might make use of to the singular advantage of the City by reason of the great good it reaps in time of Peace by its many negotiations to the Levant and the Common-wealth having at this time particularly sent Pietro Zeno to Constantinople by reason of the success at Rhodes he was honourably received by Soliman and had quieted some former distastes occasioned by certain dep redations made upon the confines of Dalmatia and had obtained very large orders to the Sangiacchi of those neighbouring places that
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
signall Victory gotten by the Imperialists against the French was cause of much trouble to the Venetians knowing that a heavy load lay upon them for the Counterpoise of the French failing and all the other Princes of Italy being weak and full of Terrour by reason of this so mighty success they were almost of themselves alone to defend the liberty of Italy against the power of Cesar which was increased greatly by this his late good fortune nor could they hope that he would contain his Forces within the Confines of the State of Milan it was rather to be believed that his Army pursuing the victory would enter into the neighbouring States whereunto their being so unprovided to make any stout resistance might very well invite the Imperial commanders The Venetian Forces were onely of some consideration for they had 1000 Curassiers 600 Light-horse and 10000 foot they therefore resolved to make use of these forces and to increase them and to exhort the rest of the Princes of Italy to do the like and to arm themselves so strongly as they could But their chief study and care was to joyn themselves with the Pope for they believed that all the Potentates of Italy would finally depend upon his Authority and that there might be thereby some hopes of good They therefore solicited the Pope often Shewing him into what great dangers Italy was brought which if they should not receive some sudden and powerfull remedy they would increase so fast as all labour and industry and expence to prevent eminent ruine would be in vain That Cesar 's actions did clearly shew what his thoughts and intentions were since he had not assigned over the Dukedome of Milan to Francisco Sforza as by his Confederacy he was bound to do but that having defeated the French Army so as there was now no more fear of any enemy he did notwithstanding keep his souldiers still in that State placed Garrisons in the Cities and would have all things done by his authority and in his name and that certainly Cesar had so fair a way opened unto him of making himself master of Italy if the Italians would stand idle and leave their affairs to the discretion of others as one that were never so moderate having so fair an occasion could not abstain from turning his thoughts and Forces upon the taking of Territories so ill defended and that in such a case the State belonging to the Church would be no freer from offence then the like of their Commonwealth but would rather be in more danger because her weakness did the more expose her to injuries Nor did such thoughts and actions as these want several appearances of a fair collour far war Chiefly by reason of the League made by the Pope with the French which being come to the knowledg of the Imperialists they seemed to be more troubled thereat because it was made contrary to their opinion or sense they put him in mind that it became not a wise Prince to think upon giving satisfaction when he was able to take up armes and to depend upon himself and his own Forces and that truly the most expert men thought it a more easie thing far the Italian Princes to joyn together and being joyned to defend themselves against the Emperours Forces if the Pope would declare himself to be head and authour of such an Union For the Florentines were alwayes at his command and had now particularly signified their will and readiness to defend themselves by Francesco Vettori whom they had sent to Rome to that purpose thereby to invite him to take upon him the common defence That the Duke of Ferrara would be ready to do the like in consideration of his own State and to free himself from the contumacy which he was run into with the Church whereof he had already given sufficient signes he having sent an express messenger to Rome presently after the defeat of the French to offer the Pope 250 Curassiers 400 Light-horse and all his other Forces for the defence of the Apostolick Sea and for the welfare of Italy That the other lesser Princes could not nor would not sever themselves from the authority and from joyning with the forenamed with whose joint forces the Duke of Urbane did promise to defend all their States That it was to be considered the Cesarians wanted money and that the souldiers chiefly the Dutch being much behinde hand for pay â—ere readier to mutinie and to return home then to fall upon any other Enterprise without being paid their Arrears That the State of Milan was totally exhausted and unpeopled That the name of a Spanyard Emperour's Army was already much diminished and to conclude That part of his men were sent from Lombardy to resist the Duke of Albany These things though they were very punctually represented by the Venetians and diligently listned unto by the Pope yet were they not able to infuse any hope into him or to keep him from precipitating into an agreement and from thinking of securing his affairs rather unworthily by receiving any whatsoever condition from the Conquerours then by his own forces and by the aid of other Princes and Confederates so as without so much as expecting Cesar's will or any orders from him he had begun new Treaties with the Viceroy being hereunto induced by an immoderate fear that the Emperours army should be necessitated to pass thorough the state of the Church or else thorough Tuscany and to bring either the one or the other and peradventure both of them into great trouble and danger The Viceroy listned willingly to the Treaty of agreement promoted by the Pope knowing that peace and union with him did greatly concern confirming the Victory and freeing the Army of many necessities which it then suffered under whose Authority being as he believed to be followed by the other Princes of Italy the State that was won would be secured for the future from the French Forces who could not hope to do any good in Italy without the assistance of some Italian Prince These considerations being discovered by the Ventians who knew that such a security would at last cause more danger to them and could not notwithstanding keep the Pope from making this Agreement they proceeded slowly in their Councels not making the Imperialists dispair nor yet joyning in any streighter friendship or confederacy with them but they perswaded the Pope that to the end he might be provided for all events in case the agreement should not be made good he should forthwith send Monsignor Verulano who was long before destin'd thether into Switzerland to make 1000 Switzers come in presently to the defence of the Liberty of Italy the nation being greatly ambitious of the name of Liberty and that he should with the like diligence dispatch away a Nuntio to England whether the Common-wealth would at the same time send Lorenzo Orio whom they had chosen for their Embassadour to negotiate with the King thereof who was in great esteem
Council of Ien that he might give an account of his actions and particularly of the Corn which he had suffered to be brought into Genuâ— and why he went not with his Fleet to Carthagena and Augustino de Mala was chosen to be put in his place who was then Commissary in Friuli and who had formerly exercised the like charge at Sea But Armero did so fully clear himself of all the faults that were laid to his charge as he was absolutely acquitted thereof And it was known to be true that the not sending of some men from the camp in Lombardy who might have straitned that City by Land as had been so oft desired by the Commanders at Sea was the cause why the Fleet missed of the fruit of the hoped for victory But the Pope was more troubled at the Viceroys being come into Italy then the rest were and grew more jealous and fearful for it was said that these men that were landed by the Fleet were to joyn with Fronspera's Forces Wherefore the Archbishop of Capua was sent to Gaetta to treat of agreement with the Viceroy and to propound a suspension of Arms till it was concluded But the Viceroy standing upon hard conditions requiring a great sum of money and the assignation of some Cities the Treaty broke off for that time The Pope being somwhat enheartned for that his Army was much encreased in reputation and Forces by the coming of Renzo da Ceri who being sent by the King of France into Italy and having brought the Fleet to Savona was already come into the Ecclesiastical Camp which kept about Rome to suppress the Collonesi But on the other side the Viceroy was the more solicitous in endeavouring to get into the Ecclesiastical State to defend the affairs of the Collonesi to enforce the Pope to quit the League and to contribute some monies to the Army Therefore making forward he went with the Camp to Fursolone hoping to get the Town either by siege or storm having already twelve thousand Foot in his Army But Renzo da Ceri and Alessandro Vitello being come thither with the Churches Forces which were much encreased in number by the Popes diligence in raising new Foot to relieve the Town after some days battery and some slight skirmishes made with them within who sallied boldly out to disturb the Enemy the Imperial camp rise from the Town not having done any thing remarkable and retreated to Cessano and afterwards to Ceperano The Pope being somewhat encouraged by these good successes and beginning to hope well suffered himself easily to be perswaded to enter immediately though it were now in the depth of winter and Ianuary being begun and therewith the year 1527 upon the business of Naples as had been formerly proposed and councelled by the Confederates Wherefore the Venetians ordered Agostina da Mula their Commissary by Sea to go to Cevita Vecchia and that joyning there his Gallies with those of the Popes they should both of them fall upon the enterprise of Naples But the French Fleet being slow in coming the Venetians went to Terracina to take in 3000 Foot brought thither by Horatio Baglione who was set at Liberty by Ciement having been formerly imprisoned by Leo in favour of this undertaking Monsieur di Valdamonte was come to Rome from France to whom as being descended from King Renato the ancient pretences of the house of Anjou to the kingdome of Naples did appertain it being hoped that out of a certain affection which remained yet in the memory of many towards those Princes and towards the French party the presence of Valdamonte might be of some availment whom the League profest they would make King of those States he being to marry the Popes Neece who was daughter to Lorenzo de Medici and was commonly called La Dutchessina d'Urbino Valdemonte being got aboard this Fleet which consisted of 22 gallies with these designes and these hopes they all made towards the Rivers of Naples Renzo being to go by land with 10000 Foot and to enter into Abruzzo Doria went before with his Gallies and assaulted Pozzâ—olo a very opportune place for the Confederates if they should get it by reason of the conveniency of the Haven of Baia but being beat back by the Artillery at his first accost he gave over any further attempt and when the rest of the Leagues Gallies were come up they resolved to batter Castello a mare that they might have a safe receptacle for their Gallies and after having thrown down some parts of the wall the Forces of the Gallies were landed that they might assault it both by land and Sea and Paolo Giustiniano master of one of the Venetian Gallies was the first that entred the Town with his men through a breach made by the Cannon of the Gallies who being followed by the rest the town was taken and sack'd and the Castle yielded not long after After which success almost all the Maritime towns whithersoever the Leagues Fleet came surrendred and if any made resistance it was presently storm'd as was that of Lorento and of Torre del Cervo so as they were in a short time masters of almost all the Rivers and were got very near Naples Renzo was this mean while entred the Kingdome by land having happily pass'd over the river of Tronto and rendred all the Viceroy's endeavours vain who sought to hinder him and beginning prosperously he had reduced into his power the Town of Aquila in Abruzzi and the Counties of Tagliacozzo Alva and Celano Wherefore the Captains of the Fleet being now near Naples and being thereunto invited by these prosperous successes consulted whether they should draw near Naples or no and put for a period to the War They considered That if this city should be won the war might be said to be ended the chief means of raising monies for the maintaining of the war being thereby taken from the enemies and they being thereby driven out of their nest and of their chiefest receptacle by keeping wherein their chiefest hopes of desending that State did consist whereof when they should be deprived their courage would soon fail them so as they might be easily driven out of the whole Kingdome nor was the enterprise so hard but that they might have reason to expect the effecting of it The City was but weakly garrison'd nor was it apt to expose it self to danger nor to undergo the troubles of war or inconveniences of a siege to preserve the insolent Dominion of the Spaniards which was most troublesome to them nor were the Nobles otherwise minded though for fear of their goods they were forced to appear well pleased with that condition They considered further that this disposition of the Neapolitans might easily be increased and that they might be incited to some insurrection by promising the city to forgive the so many debts which it owed unto the chamber and to free them for the future from many grievances if they would be willing to
yield threatning on the other side that they would put them and their houses to fire and sword if they would obstinately persist to defend themselves They considered that at the present the Viceroy was far off and that they could not hope to receive any speedy succour from the Spaniards and that when they should have gotten the city they need not distrust the reducing of the Castles likewise into their power which not being succour'd must likewise suddenly yield Yet others were of opinion that they were to expect till Renzo was further advanced and that they might streighten that City with greater Forces upon the getting whereof they knew all other good success did depend and the end of the war wherefore they were to proceed therein with more mature advice and well grounded hopes since if the business did not succeed well the whole enterprise would be much prejudiced that a short time might mightily facilitate good success for they knew the city was in great scarcity of Corne which after the late taking of some ships laded with wheat which went to relieve it must needs grow greater and almost insupportable whereupon the people tumultuating would by their disorders facilitate the Victory That therefore in expectance of such an occasion they were to draw unexpectedly neer to the walls of the City and not give the Spaniards leisure to order their affairs and to provide for better defence that it was to be considered that a little withstanding would be sufficient to resist the forces of that Fleet which were so weak and so few as they could not attempt the taking of the Town but with more danger then hope That therefore they were to expect some more recruits of men either by shipping from France or from the Army by land and that the mean while they might go to Salerno and reduce that and the other neighbouring Towns to the devotion of the League before they should be better garrison'd and so the city of Naples would at last fall into their hands But these reasons not prevailing it was resolved that a Herauld should be sent into the City who should require the delivery thereof up into the hands of the League upon such promises and threats as were mentioned in the Consultation But Don Hugo dâ— Moncada who was within the City curbing the people and resolving to stand upon defence when hee understood that the Fleet was within four miles march'd out of the City with 2500 foot and 300 horse to disturb the designes of the captains of the League who had already landed many souldiers under the conduct of Monsieur de Valdemonte and of Horatio Baglione who being got very near the City to discover the situation met with Don Hugo and his men fought them and made them run which was not done so much by the souldiers valour as by shot from the Gallies which playing upon the Enemy who were upon the shore prejudiced them much but frighted them more so as being disordered and in confusion thinking how soonest to withdraw themselves from the danger they fled towards the City and turn'd their backs upon our men who pursued them so fast as they would have left some pieces of Artillery behind them had not Don Hugo by making some Spanish Souldiers make a halt recovered them But being hereby necessitated to retreat the flower he had not leasure at his entrance into the City to cause the Bridg be pull'd up nor to shut the Gate which Baglione who pursued him made himself suddenly Master of But having but a few Souldiers with him and fearing that if he should enter the Town with them he should not be able to keep them from plundering so as being disordered and confused they might be cut in pieces he retreated to the Gallies which were but a mile off This success infused such terrour into the Neapolitans as they sent to intreat the Captains of the Fleet that they would not play upon the Town with their Cannon nor ruine the Country for for their parts they were ready to yield But this so fortunate opportunity could not be made use of for Don Hugo knowing that there were but few forces in the Fleet appear'd willing to defend the Town and to undergo any whatsoever inconvenience and by this time it was clearly known that they could not storm the City for that the Souldiers of the Fleet were reduced to a small number by reason of the Garrisons which it behooved them to leave in the Towns that they had taken until the great Fleet which was promis'd by the King should be come from France Which not coming the Captains of the League were necessitated to lye idle and to let the victory escape out of their hands And though they had often very earnestly desired that they might have a thousand Foot at least sent them from the land Army offering to send their Gallies to take them up at Terracino they could not get it effected For great disorders were hapned in the Ecclesiastical Army Little discipline no obedience to Commanders great want of monies and of victuals so as when it was expected that the Army answerable to the first prosperous success should advance and gather more force and reputation it grew every day less and less through its own inconveniences Which mischiefs proved the harder to be remedied for that a suspension of Arms being in agitation and the Pope being according to his custom irresolute and sparing in laying out of monies he was now more slow and sparing therein And this Treaty being known in the Camp the Commanders and Souldiers began to despise the Orders of the Popes Legate and all interests of the League Insomuch as some of the Captains who had been most honour'd and best rewarded by the Pope went over to the Imperialists and took pay of them These proceedings confirm'd Clement the more in his former purpose and in buckling close to the treaty of agreement insomuch as he would say that since he must serve he would rather serve the Emperour then always depend upon the immoderate wills of Captains and of every base Souldier But the resolution taken by Burbone was above all things else cause of great disturbance to the designs of the Confederates and of particular trouble to the Pope for Burbone having at last overcome all difficulties and drawn the Souldiers out of Milan was on his way to joyn with the Dutch who expected him beyond the Trebbia not knowing particularly what enterprize they were to fall upon only it was publiquely given out that Bourbone to get the Souldiers out of Milan had promised them the sacking of Florence and of Rome which was the only means to make them move The Pope growing apprehensive of himself as also of the affairs of Florence not out of any charity towards his Country as was afterwards seen but fearing least some alteration might happen in the Government of the City together with the suppression of his family which were then
his resolution of carrying his Army nearer Rome intending to take up his quarters in some strongly situated place where he might be ready for whatsoever event should happen He therefore betook himself to new councels which was to endeavour with less danger to bring the Pope out of the Castle to which purpose he in great haste sent Frederico da Bozzole with a Troop of Curassiers good store of light Horse and some companies of Dragoons towards the City hoping that by his unexpected coming the Pope might find some way of getting out and having so sure a guide might come to the Leagues Army Which course through several accidents proved but vain But the Army advancing still the mean while they heard that new Trenches were made about the Castle and so secure as the enterprize grew more difficult and moreover that some Spanish Foot were expected to come to Rome from Naples from whence Captain Alcone was already come with some companies Wherefore the Duke with the consent of the rest of the Commanders thought it not fit that the Army should advance any further whereof he gave the Senate speedy notice acquainting them with the cause of his stay and requiring much greater forces that he might more safely and with better hopes attempt the freeing of the Pope to effect the which he said it was requisite to have fifteen thousand Switzers in the Army a great number of Pioners and a greater Train of Artillery The Venetians were much troubled to hear this that the Pope should continue so long in so sore troubles and the rather for that some Letters were at this time read in the Senate written by the Pope himself to Guicchardine the Ecclesiastical Commissary and by him sent to Venice Wherein deploring his adversity and sad condition he entreated solicited and conjured the Confederates to procure his freedom Nor was the loss of the Leagues reputation by reason of this slowness less grievous whereby the credit of the Enemy was the more encreased and the fear dayly increased that the Pope out of meer desperation would agree upon any tearms with the Imperialists So as they knew not now whereupon to ground their hopes or how to lay their designs of War For the things that were required were difficult and asked length of time whereby things would grow worse and almost impossible to be repaired Wherefore the Senate understanding the hindrance which Commissary Veturi put in the Armies approaching near Rome took the place from him and committed him to the Office of the Avogaria that he might give an accompt of his action but his tryal being delay'd and the anger which was conceived against him being with time allay'd and it being found that his advice was not without some reason he was absolved in Court But the Senate persisting still in their first opinion did with greater efficacie then before renew their orders to their Captain General and to their Commissaries that using all possible diligence they should resume their former resolution of drawing with their Army near Rome and of indeavouring to free the Pope whereat all of them were so highly distasted as the Duke of Urbine was ready to quit the Common-wealths service But afterwards dislikes being on all sides tempered his place was confirm'd upon him for two years longer the Senate taking him and his State into their protection But to give better security and as it were a pledg of his fidelity he sent his Wife and the Prince his Son to live at Venice which the Senate took extreamly well and by Letters full of thanks and affection desired to confirm this good opinion in him shewing how great expectation every one was in of his worth upon this occasion and particularly the esteem which they themselves had not only of his valour but of his loyaltie and love towards the Common-wealth And because in this commotion of Affairs it much imported them to keep the Florentines faithful to the League the Venetians labour'd to increase the disposition which they found in them to stand to the confederacy to which the Pope had formerly agreed in their name Though after what had hapned at Rome they had driven the Medici out of the City and reduced the Government into the former popular condition The Popes Imprisonment and the Spaniards prosperous success proving dayly more grievous and vexatious to the French they betook themselves to make diligent provision for War the King said he would come himself in person to Lions that he might be nearer at hand to provide for what was requisite for the Army and that he had given order for the levying of more Foot which amounted to the number of 15000 Switzers and 10000 Italians He likewise man'd out Andrea Doria at his own expences with eight Gallies that he might be therewithal serviceable to what should be done by Seâ— and agreement being opportunely made at this time between him and the King of England he exhorted him since there were divers accidents which deferr'd the waging of War with Cesar beyond the mountains to contribute monies for the payment of ten thousand Dutch foot to the end that they might make war with him the more forceably in Italy And that there might not want a Chieftain of authority in the business he resolved to send Lautrech into Italy to be General of the League who might command in chief over all the Armies and the Venetians to honour him chose Pietro Pisaro Procurator of S. Mark for their Embassadour who was to meet him as soon as he should be come into Italy and to be continually assistant with him Whilst affairs were ordering thus the Imperialists which were in Rome although their numbers were much encreased by the Spanish Foot which were lately come from Naples by Sea to that City so as there was about four and twenty thousand foot in the Imperial Army yet did they employ their time idely in making use of the booty which they had got not making any further progress the Commanders authority not being sufficient to make them go out of the City nor to curb their licentiousness only some few Dutch Foot went out of Rome by whose going it was thought that all the Army would rise and sacked Terni and Narni without passing any further though the Leagues Army were retreated for that despairing of the business of Rome the Venetians had caused their Army which was followed by the Marquis of Saluzzo with the French to retreat to the confines of the Senesi to secure the Florentine affairs according to the ratification of the League upon the obligation of the Florentines maintaining five thousand foot in the Camp at their own cost in which they shewed themselves the more ready for that they were the most exposed to danger for the Imperial Commanders threatned to turn their forces upon them being incensed for that having in the beginning of the Pope's adversity given them some intimation that they would adhere unto the Emperour they did
weak foundations his own affairs stood and how impossible it was for him to maintain an Army and tarry any longer in Italy That it is a general rule what is acceptable and advantagious to an Enemy is to be shunn'd as that which may produce contrary effects to the adverse party That this which had an appearance of humanity and looked like a desire of peace and quietness was only a piece of cunning in the Imperialists to conceal their weakness and to make it be believed that they intended the common good when they did only endeavour their own advantage But suppose said these men that we may do well for the present tâ— agree with Cesar it will be fitting at least to expect what the result will be of the convention at Bullognia where Cesars mind and intentions may be better discovered especially touching the settlement of the Dutchy of Milan upon which the best grounded resolution of peace ought to depend by the obligation of ancient and new confederacy and by the disposition of the Commonwealth her self introduced by many weighty Interests That it was also probable that the Pope though he were not very well pleased with them as touching the towns in Romagna would not notwithstanding for the Churches interest and his own break the friendship and peace between the Emperour and the Commonwealth the safety and honour whereof did finally result to the accommodation and grandezza of the Apostolique See as that also the present peace would make for the business of Florence which the Pope did then so fervently endeavour to the end that all other respects and jealousies being laid aside Cesar might for the Popes satisfaction turn his Forces into those parts and bring them to a sooner and a more certain end These reasons wrought much upon the minds of many men who being now wonted to War were unwilling to lay down Arms unless with great honour and safety to the Commonwealth insomuch as they did for that time forbear the chusing of Commissioners to send to Mantua to treat of peace and resolved to send Secretary Andrea Resso to the Marquis To return their thanks for his offer and for the good Will which he seemed to bear to the Commonwealth excusing themselves for that they could not at the present resolve upon a Treaty since the Emperour and the Pope were to meet quickly at Bullognia to find out an accommodation for all the affairs of Italy and for that Bishop Bosoniences the Popes Nuntiâ— had interposed himself in that business and particularly in what appertained to the Commonwealth This mean while the Pope being gone from Rome went to Spoleti and from thence to Bullognia to expect the Emperour who came thither some few days after the five and twentieth of October which was the day the Pope entred that City As soon as they met the Treaty of Peace began both of them seeming desirous to settle Italy in a firm condition of quiet The first and most important businesses to be accorded were those which concerned the Duke of Milan who after many former practises and endeavours for which the Protonotary Caracciole and Don Garziadi Padiglia were gone with several propositions from Piacenza to Cremona resolved having formerly obtained a safe conduct and being councell'd so to do by the Venetians who for his greater honour sent their Embassadour Mark Antonio Veniero to accompany him to go himself to Cesar in Bullognia for one thing which made the business more difficult was that Cesar took it ill that Francisco Sforza should not humble himself to him as it became a Vassal of the Empire to do and that he did negotiate his business either too arrogantly or at least distrusting too much Cesars either justice or clemency The first thing which disturb'd this Treaty which was before brought near a conclusion was that the Imperialists would have the Cities of Pavia and Alessandria delivered up into their hands as pledges for the observancy of what should be agreed upon which Sforza following herein the counsel and opinion of the Senate who had put great Garrisons into those Cities and had lent the Duke ten thousand Ducats to maintain them utterly refused to do This demand having renewed in him and in the Venetians their former jealousies that the Imperialists desired to appropriâ—te the State of Milan unto themselves wherefore the Pope desired those Cities might be deposited into his hands which the Duke said he could not do without the consent of the Venetians alledging that it would be better to refer the discussion of his cause to the convention at Bullognia And thus he spun out the time without coming to any conclusion When Sforza was come to Bullognia where he was graciously received by the Emperour his business was brought to this conclusion the Pope interceding therein to whom Cesar had promised that he would not dispose of the State of Milan without his consent that his cause should be decided by Justice Whereunto the Duke did more willingly consent then to any other proposal to shew that he relied upon his own Innocence and upon Cesar's Justice But the Venetian Senate seeing that the agreement with the Duke of Millan which had been the chief cause of beginning the war and of the continuance thereof was in a fair way of being concluded sent Commissions to Gaspero Contarini who was their Embassadour with the Pope to treat and conclude of peace if they could agree upon particulars they having been very much and with great expressions of love solicited thereunto by the Pope who promised to interpose both his authority and favour with Cesar concerning this Treaty The Embassadour Contarini when he met the Emperour at his first entrance into Bolognia was very graciously received by his Majestie but nothing was as yet treated of saving general civilities which shewed a good inclination to friendship and peace When the Embassadour had made it known that he had Commission from the Senate to treat of an agreement and that therefore he desired to know upon what tearms it was to be made The Emperour seeming to correspond very much in a will and desire to peace deputed the Lord Chancellour Granville and Monsieur di Prato to this negotiation in which Treaty the Pope himself would intervene At first there was great hopes of comming to a speedy agreement but when they drew near a conclusion new doubts and difficulties were started which made it be believed that but little sincerity was intended therein chiefly for that though many endeavours had been had the Imperialists could not be brought to remove the Dutch Foot from the State of Venice who continued still to the number of about ten thousand in the Territories of Brescia and did prejudice the Country much And moreover twenty five Gallies being parted from Cevita Vecchia to go for Naples it was publickly said that these together with four more which were in that Haven were ordered to go into Puglia So as all expences and provisions
for war were still to be continued not onely keeping the land Army intire but the Fleet also whereof part of the Gallies being proposed to be disarmed the Senate would not allow thereof many of them being of an opinion that they were to renew the war more eagerly and it was commonly affirmed that though the Emperour was well enough inclined to peace yet this his good intention was corrupted by many of his Councellours and Captains and especially by Antonio da Leva so as at the last he would be drawn to alter his minde Nor was the difference touching the Towns in Romania as yet accommodated with the Pope a thing which procured new matter of disagreement wherein there was somewhat of difference in the Senate it self some being of opinion that they were to repose so much confidence in Cesar as to put this business to be decided by him to the end that he as a friend to both sides might compose it But others thought it better to negotiate this business with the Pope's self because they might either continue their possession of these Towns upon some recognition or if they would resolve to part with them they might ingratiate themselves with the Pope to the advantage of the Commonwealth making use of his favour and authority in composing their differences with the Emperour Whereas if they should leave any authority therein in the Emperour they might be sure that he would prefer the Popes satisfaction before any consideration of the Common-wealth And this opinion prevailed so as the Pope continuing in his opinatracy and the Senate being unwilling that it should at any time be said that for their own Interests they had interrupted the common good of Christendom and disturb'd the hoped for peace of Italy when an universal peace was in treaty they at last resolved to restore the Cities of Ravenna and Cervia to the Pope the rights of the Common-wealth being preserved and afterwards in their treaty with the Emperour they were likewise content to restore the Towns in Puglia to him having first a promise from him that he would pardon all those who had adhered to them in the times of War and to deal well with them cancelling the memory of what had been past Agreement was likewise made with the Duke of Milan who was injoyned to pay 500000 Ducates for his Investment or being put into possession and 300000 for the expences of War for pledg of which payments the Imperialists desired that the Castles of Milan and Como might be delivered up into their hands but by the intercession of the Venetians this desire was layd aside for they made it appear to the Imperialists that thereby the Duke would be made the less able to raise the aforesaid moneys or be necessitated to be the longer in paying it for doubtlesly the people of Milan being extraordinarily desirous to have their own natural Lord rule over them would the more readily apply themselves to undergo any taxations Thus all things tended towards peace agreement and it was hoped that Italy after so many years of continual Wars would now be brought into a peaceable condition and all men began to rejoyce hoping to enjoy better times for the future There remained nothing to perfect this which was so much desired but the accommodation of the differences between the Florentines and the Pope which appeared to be made the more difficult by the present condition of the times and by the agreement which was made amongst the rest for the Imperial army having proceeded very slowly after they came to the Confines of Tuscanie which they did by orders from the Pope who desired to preserve the City of Florence and the Country as much as might be from being prejudised by the Souldiers the Florentines had opportunity to make the City more defenceable by making several works about the Wals and by taking in of a Garrison of 2000 foot which Malatesta Baglione brought with him thither after he had yeilded the City of Perugia upon articles to the Marquis of Guasto so as the Florentines began to grow the harder to be brought to the Pope's will The slowness of these proceedings at the first had begot a belief in the Florentines that Cesar desired to satisfy the Pope in resemblance more then in sincerity and he would more consider the interest of State since the encreasing of the Popes power did not at all concern him then the injury they had done him by siding with the French But on the other side the Pope growing daily more and more incensed for that the City would not as he had desired them put themselves upon his arbitriment though he had promised them to proceed with all humanity and ingenuity and hoping to compass his desires so much the sooner for that Cesar having now no more occasion to imploy his forces against the Venetians nor Duke of Milan would turn with the greater force and readiness to serve him in the business concerning Florence seemed rather desirous to use his utmost force against the City then to yield to any thing The Venetian Senate was very much perplex at these troubles and dangers of the Florentines as being their friends and confederates but the Common-wealth was so over-burthened with disbursments still maintaining all her Forces as she could not at the present assist them answerable to their need They therefore wisht the Florentines to bring their businesse to some reasonable conditions if they could and to agree with the Pope upon such tearmes as might not be prejudicial to their liberties But the treaty of peace being as yet doubtful the Senate in favour to the Florentine affairs as much as the time would permit them and to cause jealousiein the Pope which might make him remove his men out of Tuscany gave directions to the Duke of Urbine who had already mustered all their men to above the number of 10000 that he might be ready to march and to give out that he was to go to the confines of Parma but after all these indeavours and proceedings the agreement with the Florentines being as aforesaid the further off by how much the rest were likelyer to agree the Marquis Guasto who had already taken Tortona and Arezzo received orders from Cesar to advance with his army to the Walls of Florence other particular respects being added to his desire of satisfying the Pope to move Cesar to indeauour the return of the Medici into their Country for having promis'd to give his natural daughter Margaret in Marriage to Alexander the Popes Nephew he was the more obliged to do so as that his Son in law might have an Estate answerable to the greatness of his marriage And moreover he thought it would make for the encreasing and confirming their power in Italy that the Government of that City which of her self had alwaies been much devoted to the French should for the future depend upon him Thus the whole War being brought into Tuscany and to about the
consumed with certain losse But they were hereunto chiefly incited by their hopes of being assisted by the forces of other Christian Princes in whatsoever enterprise they should undertake against the Turks according to the so many offers made by the Pope and Emperour which if they should not accept of they might seem not without some infamy and apparent prejudice to the Common-wealth to have abandoned both themselves and the cause of Christendom There were then about 50 nimble Gallies and as many great Vessells of the Emperours upon the sea the Pope had armed four and the Knights of Ierusalem some which forces being all united they hoped to be not onely able to beat the Turkish Fleet and to free Corfu from siege but to do some egregious act by way of noble conquest Newes being therefore brought of the Armies being gone to the Island of Corfu and war being openly made Mark Antonio Contarini Embassadour at Rome was ordered to acquaint the Pope therewith and with the Senates resolution to let him see in how great danger the common cause of Christendom was and how ready they were to employ all their forces to defend it and themselves against the potent common enemy They thought it fittest to do this first with the Pope not onely because this care did chiefly belong unto him as to the head of Christianity but for that he having been very desirous that the Christian Princes should joyne against the Infidells had often offered the Churches Treasury and all his forces and authority towards so pious and necessary a work It was also very fit in respect of the present businesse to treat thereof at Rome rather then in Spain it being then thought by what themselves had given out that the Emperour's Ministers in Italy had commission given them to joyne his Fleet with the Venetians if occasion should so require As soon as the Pope heard this the Senates resolution he seemed to be very much joyed thereat saying That he had never desired any thing more fervently since he was Pope then this that God could not be more gracious unto him then to suffer him to see the mindes and forces of Christian Princes joyned together against those enemies who through the so much encreased discords of Christendom did now threaten them ruine He did not therefore onely confirm but encrease his promises made to the Venetians when he perswaded them to make this union And truly the Pope's exhortations were of no small moment to excite in them these thoughts and hopes of a League he being esteemed a wise man very zealous of the common good and very well affected towards the Common-wealth A beginning being thus given to a treaty of League it was concluded by all that mighty forces at sea were to be put together since they had to do with an enemy whose power nay whose very name was become so formidable to all men They discoursed therefore of arming 200 Gallies and as many Ships and other great Vessells as they could wherein 50000 Foot were to be embarcked and 4000 Horse But because there arose some difficulty about the distribution of this expence and the time and necessity pressing very much to go with that Fleet which was already ready to the reliefe of Corfu The Pope confirming the preparation and union of these forces as a thing already certainly agreed upon would have the League to be presently published for the greater reputation thereof and to invite the Christian Princes to embrace it reserving the conclusion of the particular Articles to a better conveniency and till some orders were come from Spain This publication was made with great solemnity in Peter's Church Gaspero Contarini a Venetian Cardinall singing the Masse wherein he was assisted by the Pope and by the whole Colledge of Cardinalls which being done the Pope entertained the Emperour's Embassadour the Embassadour of Venice and the Venetian Cardinalls and Cardinall Santa Croce a Spaniard at dinner with him in his Palace The like publication was also solemnly made in Venice thanks being given to God by Orisons and Processions in all the Churches for this union of the Christian Princes against the Infidells To do somewhat in relation to this the Senate writ to their Generalls that they should leave the Captain of the Gulph to guard the places of Dalmatia with four Gallies and that they should go with the whole Fleet to Brandizzi They afterwards took many souldiers into pay to make good the promised number they created the Governours of the greater and of the bastard Gallies which were with all diligence put in order and it was resolved that when these should be out at sea they and all the other armed ships should be under the command of Bondumiero Captain of the Gallioune So in a short time all things were disposed of on the Venetians side so as the Fleet might go finde out the enemy But Andrea Doria having received orders and being desired both from Rome and Venice whilst he was yet at Naples to go to Brandizzo and joyne with the Venetian Fleet finding out many excuses sometimes that he must go to Marcelles against the French Fleet sometimes to Genua to recruit his Gallies with men and to provide for many things which he wanted would not tarry no not the least while there though Gasparo Basalu Consul for the Venetians at Naples did all he could to perswade him He oft-times told Doria of the importancy of the Island of Corfu which was now to be freed from danger and would make for the Emperour's service how great the glory and reputation was which he might hereby purchase He moreover minded him of his own particular obligation by his word so often given and promise made so oft to the Venetians which had made the Senate put such confidence in him as much to his honour they had consented that the Common-wealth's Fleet which was so potent and whereon the safety of her Dominions by sea did depend should be guided and commanded by him as supream Captain But Doria being nothing at all moved herewith said They should have accepted of his offer whilst there was an opportunity of suppressing Barbarossa when he passed with but part of his Fleet through the Channell of Corfu And presently after going with all his Gallies from Naples he steered his course towards Genua where when he should have given an account of all that had past to the Emperour he said He would expect new orders from Spain So as neither Letters from the Pope written by his own hand wherein he prest the same desires more fervently then before nor the Emperour's Embassadour who went in person to this purpose to Naples from Rome came time enough to do any good for he hoisted sail with such speed and resolution as if it had been to have escaped some great danger The Venetians were hereat very much troubled not onely for that they saw they had lost their hopes of beating the Turkish Fleet but because
agreement should be made as a friend to the Grand Seigneur nay that it should be declared in express words that the State of Venice should not be molested during that Agreement by those Princes that were therein comprehended and that if it should happen otherwise the Agreement with Soliman should be taken as broken and yet there was an opinion that the Venetians opposed the Truce which there being no hopes of Peace was treated of wherefore Caesar made his Embassador Mendosa return from Trent to Venice not cloaking this suspition but attesting howsoever his great good-will to the Common-wealth and praying the Senate to favour the treaty of Truce which was said to be already well begun at Constantinople and would be the easilier brought to a good end by the assistance of the Common-wealth promising to make her be named therein on their behalfe and included as a friend These things made the Venetians the more desirous to indeavour a suspension of Arms between these Princes because besides other no small considerations they thereby received much safety and honour being to be declared friends to both Parties and to receive and injoy the benefit of peace which might arise from that Agreement which made the Senators more zealous in interposing their Authority knowing very well how much it might make for them to make the Turks believe that she was in good esteem with the Christian Princes and the same Christian Princes that she was so valued by the Turks as that they were stedfastly resolved to keep peace with her It was thought the Emperour did so very much indeavour the conclusion of this Truce with the Turks because he was not onely out of all hopes of being assisted by the German forces against them but inforced to take up Arms against the chiefe Lords and States of Germany who contaminating both sacred and prophane things to the great disparagement of the Church of Rome and Majesty of the Empire did dayly plot more Novelties breaking forth into open Rebellion Wherefore the Emperour who to purchase their loves had formerly yeelded not without the Popes resentment that the Councill should be held in the City of Trent with great prerogatives on the Germans behalfe did afterwards repent himselfe knowing that he had done little good to the cause of Religion lost much ground with the Pope and gotten nothing with Germany and sought to moderate the conditons whereupon the Councill was to meet he therefore sent his Embassador Don Diego de Mendosa to the Common-wealth to bridle the liberty which some of the most licencious and worst affected towards the Court of Rome used But the Venetians knowing that the calling of the Council was not acceptable to the Pope as being done at an unseasonable time and in an unfitting place and in a manner little becomming the dignity and authority of the Apostolick Sea thought they would not openly oppose it would not send their Embassadors thither But the Agreement at Constantinople which was so hopefully brought neer a conclusion of Truce for many years no way of accommodation being to be found for the difficulties which arose touching the restoring of some little Castles in Hungary ended in a short suspension of Arms for but one year but with intention as it was said and written also from Salamons selfe to the King of France that things being better debated at Ferdinando's Court the Embassadors were to return again the next year to the Court at Constantinople with new Commissions to establish peace for a longer time New dislikes arose this mean while between the Turks and Venetians upon occasion of the Confines of Dalmatia where the Sangiacchi of Bossina and Clissa desiring to trouble the quiet for their own advantage or else to pillage the Country or to make the Venetians give them something to avoid those troubles went about to usurpe a good part of the Territory of Zara alleadging that a Country which contained 49 Towns did belong to the Towns of Nadino and Urana as the proper Territories thereof which being by the last conventions granted to belong to the Grand Seigneur they said their Territories belonged unto him too wherefore they threatned the Inhabitants of these places upon pain of great penalties not to acknowledge any other Government then Solimans This did much trouble the Venetians this Country being of great concernment both in it self and for the preservation of the City of Zara. And though their claim was clear for Nadino and Urana being small Castles have no peculiar Country but the Towns thereabout make up a Country together with Zara the chief City of that Province yet by reason of the strange and insolent proceeding of the Turks in such like affairs laying claim to any whatsoever Country whereupon the Grand Seigneurs Horse hath once set his foot they feared this might be the occasion of longer and greater trouble But Soliman being acquainted with the businesse referr'd the examination of the difference over to the Sangiacco of Chersego and to two Cadi's these are the ordinary Judges in point of justice and what they should determine should be done who were to meet upon the place to that purpose with the Representatives of the Common-wealth The Senate chose Luigi Reniero for this employment who handled the businesse with such dexterity and wisdome as the possession of that whole Territory which was in question was left free and quiet to the Common-wealth And new difficulties being raised again upon what had already been decided according to the Turkish custome Reniero as being well acquainted with the businesse was sent Consull to Constantinople who making our claim appear clear to Soliman did not onely obtain that these pretensions should never be any more questioned but that some other Towns formerly usurped and till then injoy'd by the Turks should together with the 49 Towns be restored to the Venetians So great a friend was this Prince to what was just and honest unlesse he were misled by false suggestions This year the Doge Pietro Lando dyed leaving behinde him the reputation of a good and wise Prince and Francisco Donato was chosen Prince in his place Nor did any thing else worth memory happen this year The next year 1546. those who desired the peace of Italy were sorely afraid that she would quickly return to her former troubles for the peace between the Emperour and the King of France not having effected the most important affairs which were agreed upon between them it remained so loose that nothing but opportunity of time was expected to make them re-assume Arms both their forces and thoughts for the present being otherwise employ'd The King of France by the unseasonable death of his son the Duke of Orleans could not obtain the Dukedom of Millan promised him in consideration of the marriage but his antient desire of possessing it was no whit lessened Nor was the Duke of Savoy re-possessed of his Towns the King detaining them under various excuses hoping to satisfie
store of Gallies There were eleven Governours chosen of the greater Gallies and Francesco Duodo was made their Captain one highly esteemed for his valour and knowledge in Sea Discipine and eighty were chosen to be Governours of the lesser Gallies who were all of them chief Gentlemen of the City and such as were best experienced in Sea affairs Pietro Trono was made Captain of the Frigats and they resolved to arm a Gallioune very artificially built before by Vittore Fausto a learned man and who had a particular excellency in composing Sea-Engines Girolimo Contarino was made Captain thereof but Girolomo Zane Procurator of St. Mark was to have the supream Authority over the whole Fleet He was held to be very fortunate both in his own private condition and in the publick imployments who had alwaies govern'd himselfe therein with much integrity and wisdome These things being thus ordered they apply'd themselves diligently to see them performed and all provisions were so easily and readily had as exceeded expectation Concerning the using of these Forces some propounded that forty Gallies should speedily be sent towards the Levant who keeping in Candia should be ready to make use of such occasions as time and the Enemies proceeding should offer They considered that to shew this courage at the first would adde comfort to the subjects and reputation to their affairs and on the other side would infuse doubts and confusion into the Enemy and retard their expedition For it was likely they would not venture to come forth of the Strait of Galipoli without their intire strength when they knew they should meet with such resistance The which was known would be of so much the greater help for that they understood afterwards that the Turks feared this more then any thing else and that therefore they had been extraordinarily diligent in sending out 25 Gallies that they might carry the Ammunition which was prepared for the enterprise of Cyprus early from Allessandria which if they should be intercepted by our Gallies they knew their whole design would be lost To this it was objected that it might prove to be of greater danger then security for that the Turks did alwaies keep so many Gallies ready for the usuall guard of some of their places as that many Pirats Vessels being added thereunto as was usually done in time of War they might trouble our Gallies and perchance endanger them which they thought was the rather to be shun'd for that they had great hopes to do some remarkable action by using all their forces joyntly together Therefore laying all other thoughts aside for the present they seemed all of them to be chiefly troubled how to put sufficient Garrisons into the Forts of Cyprus Some were for the furnishing them so with men as if they were never to be relieved and for providing to relieve them so as if they had never been Garrisonized But as the one was variously incommodiated by the shortnesse of time by want of vessells and by fear that the enemy would be out very strong and very betimes so they thought they could not repose any certain hopes in the other by reason of the enemies powerfull forces and out of the various events of war and of actions at Sea This mean while whilst they were treating whom they should send to bear chief sway in Cyprus together with succour Eugenio Singlitico Count di Rocas a noble Cyprian who at this time discharged the office of Lieutenant Generall of the Militia by Terra Ferma and was for the most part resident at Venice readily offered himself to relieve his Country at this her so great need and to serve his Prince And being speedily dispatcht went his way in a ship with a 1000 Foot and was by the Senate made chief Commander of all the Cavalry of that Kingdom Girollimo Martiningo conductor of the Gens d' Armes readily and generously offered himself to raise 2000 Foot within a few daies in the States of other Princes and to go with them himself to the relife of Famagosta and to stay there to defend that City Thus having in a very short space much to his praise put all his men in order and brought them to Venice to embarque both them and himself in ships destined to that purpose he would shew himself with all his souldiers to the City appearing in a military habit in the Piazza of St. Mark a thing well worth the seeing for the sight of so proper men adorned with bright Arms and variety of other noble ornaments did much delight the unskilfull multitude who being pleased with the novelty of the spectacle considered not what the progresse and end of war might prove For these so many and so valiant men did all perish in a short time some by suffering some by the sword of the enemy and Martiningo's self falling grievously sick through the inconveniencies of Navigation dyed before he could arrive at Cyprus being herein the lâ—sse fortunate that he did not die in Battle and crown his glory with a more noble death He was much praised for his loyalty and for the service he shewed to his Prince The Senate when they were certain of these the Turks designes and preparations made an account be given thereof by their Legier Embassadors to almost all the Princes of Christendom wherein the Venetians were the more solicitous being moved thereunto not so much out of hope of getting them to joyne in their defence as that they might not seem to scorn the help of others and that confiding too presumptuously on their own strength the event of that War wherein the common cause of Christendom was concern'd might be the more endangered They therefore acquainted them with the weight of what War the Common-wealth was to sustain and with the dangers wherewith at the present they were threatned but wherein all Christendom would in time be concerned So as some Senators were not listned unto who advised to do what they were able speedily and of themselves lest by relying upon the uncertain hopes of others they might either slacken their own provisions or being allured by the no-certain promises of Princes quite give over all thought of any treaty of peace Pope Pius Quintus sat then in St. Peters Chair who being but of a mean extract and exalted to that Supream dignity out of the fame of his integrity made good the opinion of his worth and his so great authority Wherfore the Venetians addrest themselves to him as to the chief head of Christendom and as to a person of singular goodnesse intreating his assistance and that he would perswade other Christian Princes to embrace the common cause Michielle Suriano was at this time Embassadour for the Common-wealth at Rome whose experience in State-affairs was the more set off by his learning He adding to the Pope's already good inclination many weighty perswasions did continually excite him to take to heart the Common-wealth's cause in this time of so great danger He
Turkish Fleet and by hindring the Turks further progresse they were very reserved in falling upon any other undertakings lest if they should prove prosperous the Venetians power and reputation might grow too immoderate whereby the Spanish Fleet might meet with another weighty counterpoise and greater then peradventure might be thought convenient for the safety of the territories which the King of Spain was Master of in Italy Nor wanted there those that said the Grandees of Spain did envy Iohn's glory and that therefore they had held forth his too great Grandezza to the King of Spain as a thing that might cause trouble and danger to his Dominions But what the true cause of these proceedings was is unknown for the Spaniards were so close in concealing their counsells as without appearing alienated from having the Fleets meet or from the enterprises of the Levant for fear of the French or out of any other respect they still affirmed the contrary giving daily hopes that they would go to Corfu which they were very crafty in doing for they knew very well that if the Venetians should have any the least suspition of being abandoned by the Colleagues they would be forced to come to some agreement with the Turks which for some other respects would be inconvenient for the Spaniards for then they must of themselves alone withstand the forces of so great a Potentate against whom they had alwaies profest enmity Thus and for these reasons did not the Spaniards discover their intrinsicall thoughts but finding sometimes one cause of delay sometimes another spun on time without doing any thing At this time did Pope Pius Quintus die which caused a generall grief being taken away very unseasonably when Christendom was was in so great need for he being a sanctified man and very zealous of the common good and consequently of great authority and reverence with all Christian Princes was held by all to be an excellent means of keeping up the League and of encreasing the power and reputation thereof giving also great hopes of making way for some notable acquisition by the Christians and for the suppressing of the barbarous Infidells As soon as his death was heard of the Venetian Senate wrote suddenly to the Colledge of Cardinalls praying them that they would not suffer the affairs of the League to slacken wherein the late Pope had been so zealous since any the least protraction might prove very prejudiciall and might hinder the happy proceedings against the enemy They were all of them very well minded to pursue the war and that they might proceed the more resolutely the employment was presently confirmed to those very Cardinalls who were formerly deputed by Pius Quintus to negotiate the affairs belonging to the League who were very diligent in ordering all things necessary But the interâ—all of Popedom was but very short for the Consistory of Cardinalls meeting they the very first day chose Hugo Buoncompagno Cardinall of San â—esto Pope who took upon him the name of Gregory the 13th a Bulligonesse by Nation a Doctor of Law who had lived long in the Court of Rome and was held to be a just man but of a soure and austere nature well minded but meanly witted and not much experienced in managing of State-affairs This election was much favoured by the Spaniards and particularly by Cardinall â—ranville were it either that Hugo whilst he was Legaâ— in Spain had won the Kings favour by his integrity or else as some others said because he was known then to be so moderate a man as that it was thought when he should be Pope he would prove such a Prince as in many respects would make for the advantage of the Catholick King particularly for the safety and preservation of his territories in Italy Pope Pius Quintus his death brought great disturbances to the uniting of the Fleets though Gregory as soon as he was crowned confirmed the League in the same manner as his Predecessor had done For Don Ioâ—n who sought to protract time began more to scruple his departure considering that he could not of himself resolve to move with his Fleet any where unlesse he should receive new orders from Spain which he notwithstanding giving hopes should be suddainly had according to the common desire was the reason why the Venetian forces did as yet nothing and continuing still the same course he according as he thought time required his answer did continually inâ—imate his suddain departure affirming it so particularly as that he writ to Generall Foscherini he stayed onely from comming to Corfu in expectation of the Duke of Sessa who if he should not come all the sooner he would assuredly come away without him Nay he blamed Colonna's counsell who expecting some few gallies from Florence did so long delay his comming to joyne with them The Senate had commanded Generall Foscherini to wait for the comming of the Spanish gallies and not to attempt any thing nor to employ those his forces in any enterprise whereby the common concernment and further progresse might be retarded But the Venetians being desirous that their Forces might be somewhere felt by the Enemy resolved to attempt Castel Nuovo Sâ—iâ—rra Martiningo being the chiefe adviser thereunto who having been the preceding year at Catarro and having had opportunity to inform himselfe well propounded it as a thing easie to be done This man was born in Bressia of a noble Family though illegitimaâ—ely and being banisht upon occasion of private enmities had been long in the French Wars where he had won much repute for military valour And upon occasion of this War he had noâ— onely obtained a safe conduct but was made as it is said Generall Governour of Albania every one conceiving well of him His advice being imbraced and his speeches believed all things werâ— provided which he desired as necessary for this action The taking of Castel Nuovo was very much desired by the Venetians not out of meer consideration of the thing it selfe it being a little Town of no great circuit not very strong nor well inhabited but for the many advantages which might be had thereby For it stands almost in the mouth of the Gulph of Catarro near whereunto the land thrusts out and streightens the Channel so as they who are the possessors thereof may hinder any from passing further into the Gulph which winding towards the Levant makes an other great Creek which is safe from storms wherein any Fleet how numerous soever may upon any occasion ride safely and in the utmost part thereof stands the City of Catarro which cannot be by any other way supply'd with Garrisons Victualls or any other necessaries it being invironed every where on the Lands side by the Turkish Territories Sciarra having imbarkt himselfe at Chioggia with 5000 foot whereof many were French gallant men and very well disciplin'd went with great expectation of success towards the Gulph of Catarro bringing orders with him to Generall Veniero from the Councill of
Cardinalls imagining that by so doing they might please both the Pope and the Spaniards for which they daily expected thanks and remuneration would aggravate the businesse more then they themselves believed it deserved to be But the Catholick King who was accustomed to govern and knew by experience how very rationall it is in Princes to desire that their Dominions may be preserved by wisdom and moderation not being at all troubled at the newes that peace was concluded seemed not to be displeased with what the Common-wealth had done for her own interests saying That assuredly they must be weighty and important occasions which had moved the Venetians to put on such a resolution And that as he had been ready to lend his forces to the service of Christendome and particularly to the good of the Common-wealth so he did assure himself that they being sensible of his good-will by his actions would do the like to him when occasion should require it And the Spaniards generally both in the Court of Rome and in Spain using much moderation made no outward shew either of dislike nor resentment Some said They were rather sorry for the occasion which had necessitated the making peace then for the peace it self They confest that those respects which had perswaded to this resolution must have been very great but not so well known to them by reason of the distance of their Dominions and of their Kings power And the Spanish Embassadour who was at Rome understanding that the Embassadour who was chosen to go to Constantinople to confirm the Capitulations was not yet gone from Venice propounded new endeavours to enliven the League This way of proceeding regulated by the reason of interest not of affection was much wondered at as a thing but little known or practised by Italians Wherefore some said that the Spaniards were thus moderate lest by blaming the Venetians they might provoke them to justifie themselves by complaining of the actions of the Colleagues the last years past Others said That though they had lost the advantage of the League for that time they would not forego the friendship of the Common-wealth for ever which they might make use of upon other occasions But it may be the truest cause was that following therein their naturall custom of maintaining their dignity it became them not to value much the dissolution of the League as if they were not sufficient of themselves to give a just counterpoise to the Turkish forces But the Pope continued still unsatisfied Wherefore the Venetians not being willing to be held contumacious resolved to send an expresse Embassadour to Rome that the Pope might be the more easily pacified and admit of their true justifications by this signe of their reverence and respect Nicolo da Ponte was chosen for this employment a man of reverend years and of great esteem and authority in the Common-wealth being a Procurator of St. Marks This man going speedily to Rome and having obtained audience of the Pope shewed him that the Common-wealth had just cause to accept of the peace which was offered by the Turks That all their territories by sea were exposed to very great danger by reason of the enemies many preparations made to offend them and through the slow proceedings of their friends and confederates to defend them That the weight of this war was become so grievous by reason of the expences which the Common-wealth had been at for the space of three years and through the many inconveniences whereby her subjects were prejudiced as it became now unsupportable That as long as the hopes of prosperous successe and of future quiet did keep up their hearts in the bitternesse of war and did a little consolate the present evills the Venetians had out-done what they were bound to by their Articles in providing for war â—nd exceeded their abilities But that the best occasions being now unseasonably let slip what reason had they to continue at such expences and dangers since it was now clearly known that the Common-wealth could not preserve her Dominions better then by peace That the Pope should be well pleased it being for the common service of Christendom that accommodating her self to the times she should temporise with so powerfull an enemy that she might employ the remainder of her forces upon some other seasonable occasion for the good of Christendom and of the Church as she had so often formerly done That in this respect Paul the third when he knew that it was in vain to take up arms against Soliman did himself exhort the Venetians to make peace though they had the same obligations of League upon them as they had now That the Senate did not communicate this their resolution to their considerates out of just and sitting respects governing it self by that rule by which all other States govern themselves and by which the Catholick King a powerfull Prince had walked For that he might not break the League unnecessitated if the condition of affairs should alter as they did and not to seem to distrust his forces whereby to encourage his enemies He did not acquaint the Venetians with the reasons which moved him to keep back his Fleet nor did any thing but the effect it self discover his intentions and the jealousies which he had of the French That it became the Venetians to do the like now who at the beginning of the treaty of peace which was as then doubtfull and uncertain basarded the losse of the uncertain advantage of the League and of encountring many inconveniences in following that advice which reason did dictate unto them or rather necessity though it might be more truly said that peace was much nearer being concluded then was imagined it being thought that an Embassadour was to be sent expresly for that end to Constantinople as had been done formerly and that such resolutions might be communicated in fitting time But that that which was much desired and much to be desired being proffer'd it ought not to be refused or deferred for any respect whatsoever the dammage not being to be repaired by any mediation which any delay though never so short might occasion in a businesse of such importance they being to treat with a barbarous Nation insolent and full of jealousies That they had also considered that to advise in a thing which was judged by those that demanded counsell not to be avoided seemed to be unseasonable and to no purpose the rather for that it would not have been lawfull for the Pope though he had known the true reasons which had caused the Venetians to make peace to disswade them from it or to hinder it nor would the place which he held permit him to advise or give way thereunto So as since their occasions forc'd them to act contrary to his declared will and not to be governed by his exhortations their offence would have been made the greater That lesser evill was occasioned hereby since he knew nothing of the treaty of peace before