lost almost all the Towns she had in the firm Land of Lombardy as far as Padoua The great Turk offer'd the Republic aid in this exigent but she modestly refus'd any Besides other places she receav'd a most fearfull overthrow hard by Abdua being thus oppress'd with the spirituall Armes of Rome and most of the temporall Armes of Europe rather then break she complemented with the Emperour and bow'd to the Pope by delivering him those places aforesayed in Flaminia Among others the Cardinall of York in England did do her good Offices to the Pope as her Annales make mention The French having taken Milan and other places grew insolent in Italy therefore there was a new confederacy made 'twixt the Pope the King of Spain and the Venetians at Ravenna the French became Victors in a great battail but a little after the Swisse coming in as Confederates against them they were totally routed and driven over the Hills again The Venetians recover'd Crema and the Spaniard having taken Bressia and delaying to render it to Venice there was a new occasion offer'd for the Republic to make a League with France again against the Spaniard and Francis the first by their help regain'd Milan The Republic was never so driven to her shifts as she was in the time of this Duke in divers traverses of warr and confederacies against her which she dissolv'd by pure policy more then any power She was afterwards much persecuted by Pope and Emperour in so much that Maximilian sent to Selim the new great Turk an Ambassador to invite him to a warr against the Venetians and to invade their Sea Coasts while he assaulted them by Land Pope Leo sent Petro Bembo upon a solemn Embassie to the Republic that they shold break with the French and League with the Emperour and Spaniards against them whereunto the Senat made this grave answer That his Holinesse Ambassador was greatly pleasing to the Senat as well in respect of himself whose vertue and particular affection towards their Countrey was sufficiently known to all men as likewise in regard of the Prince who sent him seeing the Republic had ever born all reverence and honour to the Soveraign Bishops of Rome but they more particularly inclin'd to Pope Leo that the Senat had ever most highly esteem'd his good and wholesom Counsell but the mischiefe was that by how much they above all others had desir'd his friendship and alliance in that incertainty of all things by so much more were they continually kept from it and albeit their love was never disjoyn'd from him yet their forces were ever divided as then they did humbly thank his Holinesse and confess'd themselfs much bound unto him in that he had bin ever ready by divers good offices to embrace and favour their cause even so likewise they were extremely griev'd that they could not follow his Counsell it being their ancient custom not to leave an old friend for a new specially being not provok'd thereunto by any wrong their ancient Fathers thinking that alone to be profitable which was most honest therefore they could not without great blemish of their reputation break or abandon the alliance which they had already contracted with the French And if the Pope wold call to mind the ancient benefits of the French Kings not only to the Venetian Common-wealth but likewise to the Church and consider the wealth and power of that Kingdome he wold not only excuse but commend the Venetian Councel and be desirous himself to follow it because that being back'd by the French Forces with those of the Venetian ther was likelihood that he shold be abler to lay surer foundations as well for the state of the Church as for the greatnesse and advancement of his own house Hereupon the Republic sent Ambassadors both to Lewis of France and Henry of England to congratulat their alliance for old Lewis had married young Henries Sister and to streighten this League betwixt them against the Emperour The Republic likewise employed two Ambassadors to confirm the peace with the great Turk Selim who had newly subdued the Mammalukes and Soldan that had bin Lords of the Gran Cayro and Egypt above three hundred years Anno 1516. The French King sent to borrow one hundred thousand Crowns of the Venetians towards the end of this Dukes Government which was done accordingly Lewis King of Hungary sent two Ambassadors unto them who procured both men and money against the Turk Prince Lorâ—…dano having sate at the stern of the Republic twenty years in most tempestuous times payed nature her last debt and made way for ANTONIO GRIMANI who about the beginning of his Government was sollicited that the Republic of Venice might be Godmother to a daughter of France The face of affairs in Christendom being much chang'd at the coming in of Charles the fifth the Emperor the Venetians wav'd their league with France who was ready to invade Italy for the Dutchy of Milan and enter'd into an alliance with the Emperor cashiering Trivaltio who was too much affected to the French and making the Duke of Vrbin their generall and this was done principally by Pope Adrian the fourth his intercession who was a low Dutchman having bin a Brewers son in Vtrecht and Schoolmaster to Charles the fifth in this Dukes time the Isle of Rhodes was taken by the Turk to the great detriment of Christendom and dishonor to her Princes 1522. ANDREA GRITTI succeeded GRIMANI about the beginning of whose principality the Venetians depart from the French and for important reasons of State enter into league with the Pope and Emperor the French King makes himself again master of Milan and of divers other places in Italy The Venetians upon emergent reasons of State leave the Emperor and renew their confederacy with the French but during this League the French King was taken prisoner at Pavia and carried into Spain and after foure years captivity dismissed Rome is beleaguer'd by the Spaniards the walls seal'd by the Duke of Bourbon who in the action breath'd his last and Pope Clement besieg'd in the Castle of S. Angelo the King of England Hen. VIII was one of the principall instruments both of the French King and Popes enlargement The French rush again 'ore the hills to Italy take Pavia and destroy it The Venetians seize Monopolis in the Kingdome of Naples Doria Admirall for the French o'recoms the Imperiall Fleet but he turn'd afterwards to the Emperour The Vicount of Tureen coms upon a splendid Embassie to Venice in the Popes behalf to entreat them that they wold satisfie the Pope by rendition of Ravenna and Cervia the Senat alledg'd their just Titles to them having receiv'd the one from Obizzo Polente Lord therof more than four hundred years pass'd and that Cervia was fallen to the Republic by the Testament of Dominico Malateste for which she was to pay yearly som godly Legacies which they continued for performance of the Testators will they representd further
by an extraordinary way of balloting or lottery wherin choice and chance have a hand Her formes of justice with the cautious authority and moderation of Her Judges The prudence and maturity of Her Senat in all deliberations Her matchles Forces by Sea Her vast provisions and preparatifs for all kinds of Warr wherin that Signorie surpasseth all other Potentats of Christendom That no Navall Warr can be made against the Ottomans the common Enemy without conjunction with Her That this Republic is calld the Shield and principall safegard and as Paul the 3. sayd the Bullwark of Europe The mighty Forces She employed against Cyprus against Selym for Her defence The generosity She hath shewed not to refuse the Warr The deliberations She holds before She engageth in any fight and Her most celebrous exploits in the great battail of Lepanto in the yeer 1571. And not to extend my self further I say you will extremely plese the Venetians in elevating the achievments ancient and modern of the Signorie Moreover t will be very gustfull unto Her if you speak of Her piety and munificence to the Church and to have oftentimes bin the Protectresse of Saint Peters Chaire renewing the memory of what passd twixt Frederic the second and Her with the Negotiations and Protestations made by Her before the Duke of Alva in the Warr against his Holines and all things els that you can alledg conducible to this purpose Lastly remember well to extoll the royal and sincere proceedings of the Republic upon all occurrences in public treaties commending Her that She useth to negotiat frankly without any artifice or disguise but really and without palliations I will not name heer the Princes that are belov'd or hated by the Signorie for it will tend to little purpose The Republic of Ragusa and Genoa are no great friends to this Signorie yet They hate Her not but use to be sensible of her dangers and troubles because that whosoever growes to be master of any of these Republiques will have the greater strength which is just contrary to the aymes of the Republic of Venice whose policy tends that the state of Italy receaves no alteration but be allwayes at a constant stand And for this cause She wold be contented that the Dominions which the Spaniard hath in that Countrey were equally divided twixt Spain and France that the power of those two great Kings might be counterpoisd and that neither of them were so powerfull in Italie Wherupon the Signorie of Venice extremely desireth that Rome with the State Ecclesiastic and the Apostolic Seat might be preservd in regard that beside the affair of Religion She observes the excellent Regiment of the Church wherin all the vigor and reputation of Italie consists And touching the holy Father were he reducd to any extremity or danger this pious Republic would employ all Her power to protect Him being wisely perswaded that all the domage which wold fall upon his Sanctity wold rebound upon Her I have forborn to observe hitherunto that the principall object of the consultations of this noble Signory is the repose of Italy and to preserve her from revolutions of intestin broyles You must allso take it among your instructions that in the Discourses you shall hold with the Venetians or others you must not shew your self inclinable to make a new league against the Turk but rather when you fall upon this subject you shall appeer rather for peace and approve of the prudence of the Signorie in her cariage towards this huge Potentat to have no actuall hostility with him In which Discours you must be mindfull of the three reasons which the Venetians use to alledg that it is necessary for that state to have peace with the Turk The first is in regard that all the Iles Coasts and Maritime places which the Signorie possesseth do confine with som part of the Ottoman Empire therupon She may be easily surpriz'd and invaded that way The second is in regard that the Citty of Venice being the best peepled of all Italy She hath not territory enough to maintain and support Her-self or afford her all sorts of necessaries therfore She must be oblig'd to other Countries for Her sustentation now ther is no Prince upon Earth that lieth so oportunely to furnish Her as the Turk Thirdly if a War be declar'd in the Levant all traffick will cease by Sea as also commerce by Land therfore the Citty of Venice being one of the greatest Mercantile Towns in the World her Cittizens will grow poor and want employment You must add to these considerations the form and institution of the Republic being from the first time of her foundation ordained and born as it were for peace and plenty as She hath found by experience Therfore the Venetian Senators are alwayes pleas'd when any motion is made of Peace and when any mention is made of the Turk they will not be discontented to heer him extoll'd for a mighty great Prince implying thereby that the Signorie is the wiser to be at good termes with him The Reasons whereby the Venetians did justify their proceedings when against the capitulations of the league they did accommode themself with the Turk are so known to the World that it were a peece of impertinency to insist upon them here but in your Discours among the Venetians you may make use of them as ocasion shall invite you I finish these Instructions with this necessary Rule that evry Ambassador or public Minister of state ought to render himself agreeable to the Prince with whom he negotiates which may tend much to the happy conduct and advancement of all his Negotiations A Review of the Navall strength of Venice IN regard the main strength and incolumity together with the principall defence and glory of this Neptunian Damsell is derived from the Sea it will not be amisse to make inspection once more into her waters and fadom the depth of her navall power Now to treat of her strength this way it will not be amisse to give a little touch once more at Her Arsenall which strikes an admiration into all men that are curious to survey it and may be rank'd one of the wonders of the World in that kind It is sited and encompass'd with a great chanell of the Sea It is girt about with strong walls three miles in circuit Ther have been counted there at one time 300 Gallies besides those that were in cours to secure the gulf whereof ther were above 22 Galeasses which in comparison of the other Gallies may be call'd men in compleat Armes or Cuirasses because they' are not so nimble in their motion neither for Sayle or Oar as others but they give a far greater shock and if they have a rowsing gale of wind and favorable 20 of these are able to encounter 100. of other Gallies besides they have the advantage of Galeons because they have Feet as well as Wings For Timber to build all sorts of sayling Vessells
and honorable Persons full of Piety and Religion specially those of Aquileia Padua and Heraclea who with their substance and families came first to Grada and thence to the Rialto Those places wheron at this day the Cittie of Venice is seated being then but bare Iles and Mansions for Fish as many parts of Holland was Now those of Padua were they that began to build at the Rialto where the first foundation was layed and is now as it were the Center of the Cittie How religiously the same was don may be conjecturd because by how much the more one did affect Christianity so much more he shunnd the conversation of the barbarous peeple The Temple of God was the first House that was in intention though not in execution because it was a work of time wherof the first Stone was layed in Saint Marks Place the 25. of March about the Vernall Equinoctiall in the beginning of the Spring which may be sayed to be a good cause why the Cittie florishd so wonderfully ever sinee for about the same time the first Man receavd his Creation and the Redeemer of Mankind his Conception Now allbeit for populating this new Cittie all the most experienced Mariners were calld from all parts with promise of reward to such as could build Shipps yet as the old Records have it they were carefull not to admitt any man of a servile condition or any Murtherer or Fugitifs for offences with such sorts of men we find that Rome was first populated The new Cittie did daylie encrease in Inhabitants and building when a fyre kindled upon a sudden and burnt 24. Houses and because the matter which fedd the fyre was scatterd here and there and so could not be quenchd by humane strength all the peeple betook themselfs to their prayers and as the Record hath it so soon as they had made a vow to erect a Church to the honor of God calld Saint Iames Church the fury of the fyre ceased This Church is to be seen standing to this day in good repair in the midst of the Rialto and this was about the yeer 400. At first they were governd by Consulls then came they under a Tribunary power then under a Prince or Duke because ther is a greater energie of love and power in unity yet this Duke is but a kind of Collegue with som others of the Senators and differs only from them in the rising corner of his Capp When he goes abroad in State the Sword is carried behind him but before the Senat who com after him and he is so restraind that 't is impossible for him to be a Tyrant Ther have bin since the beginning of this Principality neer upon 100. Dukes wherof 12. have bin either slain or sentencd Ther is choice and chance that concurr in his creation Now as Senatus ex Populo so Princeps è Senatu oritur and commonly one of the Procurators of Saint Mark is chosen As the Popes so the Princes of Venice are made of ancient men who have passd through divers Offices and so have bin long bredd up in the School of Experience which is that great Looking-glasse of Wisedom Persons that have their humors daunted and their passions mortified in them Contarenus describes the election of the Duke in this maner Presently upon the vacancy all the Gentry above 30. do assemble So many as meet cast their names into a Pott and in another are just so many Balls wherof 30. only are gilt then a Child draweth for each till the 30. gilt ones be drawn for which 30. the Child draweth again a second time out of another Pott that hath only 9. gilt Balls The 9. so drawn nominat 40. out of which 40 12. are again selected by the same kind of lott These 12. nominat 25. out of whom 9. are by lott sett again apart These 9. nominat 45. who are by lott reducd again to 11. These 11. choose 41. of the Senat of the best and principall rank These 41. after evry one hath tied himself by solemn Oath to choose whom they shall think most worthy write in Scrolls whom they think most worthy the Scrolls are mingled together and then drawn the fittnes of the Persons thus drawn is discussd and he who hath most voices above 25. is the Man whom they pronounce to be elected and adjudg him to be created Duke with all Solemnities by lott allso they choose Gentlemen to sitt in the Senat and creat public Officers so that this Republic hath much of the modell of Platoes platform Som derive the Etimologie of this rare Cittie from Venetia which in old Latin signifieth the frothing or seething of the Sea for as Varro hath it Venetia est maris exaestuatio quae ad littus pellitur Ther are 72. Iles that support Venice and the nearest part of the Continent is 5. miles distant Ther be Banks and Dikes cast up to preserve her from the impetuousnes of the waves extending in length above 6. miles through which ther are 7. places broken out for passages of Boats but no way for Vessells of bigger burden saving at Malamocca which is 3. miles distant from the main Cittie and at the Castles of Lio which are fortified according to the utmost art of Enginry So that t is impossible to surprize Venice or to take Her unlesse it be by an Army of 150. miles compasse She is above 8. miles in circuit and hath of all sorts neer upon 1000. Bridges Besides ther be above 20000. Gondolaes which ply up and down perpetually som wherof have two rowers som more so that in case of necessity the Cittie could make an Army of above 50000. Gondoliers Her Fabriques public and privat are extraordinary specious and sumptuous and Her Streets so neat and eevenly pavd that in the dead of Winter one may walk up and down in a pair of Sattin Pantables and Crimson Silk Stockins and not be dirtied Ther are above 200. Palaces fitt to receave any Prince with his ordinary retinue In fine Her situation is so rare evry street allmost having an arm of the Sea running through it and Her Structures so magnificent and neat that this Virgin Cittie useth to ravish at first sight all Strangers that come to visit Her specially if they com from Sea and not passd through others of the dainty Townes of Italie Venice besides Her 150 Churches and Monasteries hath three things worthy of sight viz. Saint Marks Church and Steeple the Tresury and the Arsenal The Church is built throughout with rare Mosaique work and the furniture of the Church surpasseth the Fabrique in richnes Her Walls are inlayed in many places with precious Stones of divers colours and in such a maner that they seem to be the work of Nature rather than of Art but the full description of this Temple shall be reservd for another place viz. for that time that Saint Marks body was first transported from Alexandria to Venice which will appeer in the Historicall part
Interdict the only Ecclesiastics that went out of the Republic were the Iesuits and Capuchines wherof the first was banish'd the other dismiss'd the rest did still officiat alledging that the difference 'twixt the See of Rome and the Signory was not touching any point of the Catholic Faith But at Rome her self it was expected that the sayed Interdict wold produce three effects 1. That the Religious wold al depart 2. That the Cities and peeple seeing themselfs depriv'd of Church Offices wold raise a sedition and so force the Senat to give the Pope satisfaction 3. That the Nobility upon this occasion might be disordered terrified and divided among themselfs but none of all these three effects hapned for the Senat was greatly united in their resolutions the City of Venice and common peeple kept themselfs in wonderfull obedience and this so generall a calm did not only proceed from the voluntary conformablenes of the peeple but also from the providence of the Senat and diligence of the Magistrat who provided for all accidents Besides this great affair was conducted with so much prudence and dexterity that no bloud of any man was shed for contempt or mutiny which made the world to stand at a gaze that so great a Body and Government shold be kept npright without any violence execution or the least shock given notwithstanding ther were many under practises us'd afterwards The Jesuits in ev'ry place wher they had taken footing did put all irons in the fire and fell a beating them to brand the Republic of Venice insomuch that her Ambassadors receav'd affronts in som places as in Poland and Prague but it was by privat persons for which they had satisfaction from the Emperour and the King of Poland for the Signory was not so carelesse but she sent a punctuall account of all these traverses 'twixt the Pope and Her Genoa and Savoy was also displeas'd with Her because both they had bin succumbent to the Popes Censures before and submitted Among other Princes Iustiniano the Venetian Ambassador residing then in London had command to acquaint the King of England with his Contrasto 'twixt the Pope and the Senat. King Iames after he had very attentively heard the relation of the Ambassador shew'd how well he accepted that esteem and highly commended the Laws of the Republic adding that he long'd to see the whole Church of God reform'd to which end he much desir'd a free Councell to determine so many controversies which have no other cause but the usurpations of the Roman Bishops in which desire he thought the King of France and other Princes wold joyn with him that perhaps God meant to produce this happines out of these troubles of the Signory that he had sent word therof to Pope Clement then when he was mov'd by him the first time he came to the Crown of England to unite himself to the Roman Church but he wold not hear any thing of a Councell that this union was much to be desired but clearly ther was no other means to effect it then by a Generall Councell he added moreover that that ruine of the Church proceeded from this that the Popes esteem'd themselfs as Gods and were so corrupted by flattery that 't was no marvail they could give no ear to any reason and if they proceeded oftentimes with such precipitation The separated States of Holland writ letters full of of affection unto the Republie upon this occasion offring Her a supply of Arms Ships and Victualls if the case requir'd with any other good office of friendship All Christian Princes were sensible of this rupture 'twixt the Pope and the Republic specially the Roman Catholikes in whose Courts the Venetian Ambassadors did refrain for a while to go with the rest into their Chappell 's after the accustomed manner The Duke of Savoy did appear more against the Republic then any other not treating her Ambassador as formerly though he took hold of another occasion because She had written to his children by the title of Excellency not of Highnesse The Republic apprehending som fears that such a confederacy might be procur'd against Her by Pope Paul the eight as was by Iulius the second who carried fire in his hands She was very willing that matters might be reconcil'd by the mediation of other Princes wherin Mons. du Fresne stir'd more vigorously then any other by order from Henry the IV. of France his Master the Duke of Mantoua also offer'd to com to Venice in disguize to know their intentions and then passe to Rome of purpose to treat with the Pope for an attonement The Senat took this as a very high respect and sayed that the Republic who us'd to be accounted the Right Hand of Rome wold do nothing unworthy of her self and it was just that he who had first offended shold repair the offence therfore it was fitting that the Pope shold revoke his Censures and so open the way to a Treaty for no wound can heal till the inflammation be taken away While this difference lasted 'twixt Rome and Venice a certain writing was affix'd at Vicenza and other places wherin the Republic was exhorted to shake off the Popes Yoke calling him Antichrist c. The Senat was much mov'd herat therfore they caus'd a rigorous Baâ—… to be publish'd wherin they promis'd a large reward to him or them that shold discover the Author of that infamous paper giving charge that a diligent search shold be made after the Authors but none being found 't was thought to be an artifice of the Jesuits to induce the Venetian therby to com the sooner to an accord with the Pope The King of Spain in these doubtfull traverses of things writ a Letter full of terms of reverence and complement unto the Pope that if need were he wold joyn his temporall Arms to maintain the spirituall Arms of the Church to which purpose he had written both to his Viceroy of Naples and Governor of Milan upon the receit of this Letter ther were Bonfires made at Rome and the flames of the fire flew upon the wings of fame all Christendome over which gave the Republic such an alarm that She began by Land and Sea to arm apace She was offer'd assistance if need were from som of the Greek Christians that were subjects to the Turk as also from the reformed Churches of France but she wav'd both but it was thought that this Letter of the Spanish King wherin he promis'd warlike succours to the Pope was not a thing really meant but only to terrifie the Republic and bring her the sooner to an agreement which appear'd in regard he had sent expresse commands to Don Innigo de Cardenas his Ambassador residing in Venice to propound som Overtures of Treaty wherupon he propos'd to the Duke and the Senat That his Catholic Majesty affecting the conservation of peace desir'd that the disgusts 'twixt his Holines and the Republic might cease to which end he had commanded all
his Ministers to co-operat accordingly and particularly had commanded him to pray the Senat accordingly c. The Duke much extolling the good inclinations of the Catholic King answer'd That the Republic could not do more then what they had done already that it was more proper to begin with him who had bin the cause of all these broils that it was not for them to open the way which had bin stopped up by others that the Pope by dismissing their Ambassador and revoking his Nuntio had broken off all means of Treaty which could not be set on foot unlesse the Censures were taken off with which the Republic thought her self much injur'd The Ambassador replied asking the Duke Whether his Serenity were content that he shold pray his Holines in the name of the Catholic King to take off his Excommunication The Duke rejoyn'd that it was necessary to remove the impediment but that this shold be don by this means or that by the free-will of the Pope or at the instance of another it little imported for the substance of the thing and that his Majesty might do what pleas'd him The Ambassador answer'd Your Serenity may well be content that the Pope be entreated by your Name the Duke sayed That for the repose of Italy if the Catholic King were certain that the Pope being thus mov'd wold do the thing he wold not hold it any inconvenience to be so contented He sayed further that neither himself nor the Senat had given any occasion of disgust to the Pope if he had taken any of himself they could not help it that in voluntary discontents ther is no other remedy then a voluntary acknowledgement besides he desir'd him to consider that the King his Masters Interest and of all temporall Princes besides was involv'd in the cause of the Republic The French Ambassador du Fresne being then also in the Senat sayed That the Pope could not be induc'd to revoke the Censures unlesse ther were som assurance given what the Republic wold do in point of correspondence that it was needfull for her in some sort to submit for no temporall Prince could be disparag'd to yeeld unto his Holines it being a jus commune to humble ones self to the Soveraign Bishop The Duke answer'd That it was necessary to apply the remedy to the part whence the evill proceeded therfore since his Christian Majesty desir'd a pacification it was meet that he shold make his addresse to the Pope c. While these Traverses happen'd at Venice the Pope by the predominant advice of som Cardinalls and relying much upon the foresayed Letter which the King of Spain had written unto him made a shew of arming wherunto the Conte de Fuentes Governor of Milan was very forward therfore it did not stand with the prudence of the Republic to be idle Herupon She sent to Her Ambassadors abroad to acquaint the Princes wherwith they resided to inform them accordingly She imparted the businesse likewise to those Ambassadors that lay at Venice and among the rest to the English who having thank'd the Senat for this communication of affairs He prayed their generosity and resolution to defend their honor assuring them that upon so important occasion they shold have from his King all furtherance and aid as well in good offices as in arms and succours he sayed further That he had particular commandement from the King his Master to oblige him under the word of a King to a neer Union with the Signory to assist Her with councell and forces as also to labour that all his friends shold do the same not for any base ends or privat interest or to foment division or com into concurrence and opposition with any other Prince but specially for two reasons First for that acknowledging himself oblig'd to God for infinit favours receav'd from him he thought it his duty to defend his cause that is to conserve the power which his Divine Majesty had establish'd upon earth Secondly in regard of that Bond of Amity which he renew'd with the Republic c. The main knot in the businesse was whether upon a promise of the revokement of the Ecclesiasticall Censures by the Pope the Signory wold also promise an abrogation of the foresayed Decrees touching Church-Lands which She could not be induc'd to do but somthing shold be don if a Treaty were comenc'd wherof the Senat was thought incapable while they lay under the sayed Censures The French Ambassador a few daies after came to the Senat where he made a long discours for an accord But he was advertis'd from Rome that the Pope had receav'd som new offences from the Signory for hindring Navigation into the places of the Church and for the eternall Ban against the Jesuits Wherunto the Senat made answer that touching that point of Navigation it appertain'd to ev'ry good Government to provide that the State may be well furnish'd with things necessary for her self and provide that they be not carried away to others that in order to this the Republic had stayed all Vessells at Sea wherin ther were provisions necessary for the State wherupon if the State Ecclesiastic was in want this was not their fault but the order of human things so requir'd Concerning the Jesuits it was alledg'd that they were not banish'd but rather were gone away of themselfs as refusing to obey the Commandements sent unto them to continue Divine Service but after their departure having notice of an infinit nomber of injuries machinations and treasons contriv'd by them the Senat ordain'd as Justice requir'd that they never more return Whilst these things were in agitation the Spaniards were like to have imbroil'd the Signory in a war with the Turk in regard the Marquis of Santa Cruz with a Fleet of Napolitan and Sicilian Gallies had sack'd and burnt Durazzo a Town of the Turks in Albany som thought this was done of purpose to make the Turk fall upon the Venetian and so impell him to make his addresse to the Spaniard for aid therefore at Constantinople the Gran Visier perceaving well the Artifice of Spain herein and that the taking of Durazzo had bin attempted to no other end then to set them at odds with the Signory Letters were sent to the Captain Aga the Admirall that he shold still keep good union and intelligence with the Venetian Forces to the domage of the Pope and the Spaniard This year ther were divers Libells Pasquills flew up and down in ev'ry corner of Italy some in favour of Rome som of Venice ther were also many Books and Tractats came forth on both sides The Doctrine of the Venetian Writers was That God had establish'd two Governments upon Earth the one Spirituall the other Temporall each of them being Supreme and independent one from the other the one is the Church Regiment the other the Civill Of the first he gave charge to his Apostles and their Successors Of the temporall the charge is put in the hands of
shold come to Arms he prayed his Serenity to consider that though Philosophie tells us the Sun warms these inferior bodies without heat in it self yet in human things it is not so but he that wold heat in his favour must first be hot himself The Senat determin'd to signifie unto all Princes the Declaration of the King of great Britain wherin he call'd God to witnesse ' That his resolution to defend the cause of the Republic had no other end but the service of God and to conserve the Liberty which God gave to all Princes not for any ill will that he carried to the Pope nor was he mov'd by the particular interest of the Republic but only so far because he knew She defended a cause most just and acceptable to God which the more he considered in his mind so much the more was he confirm'd in Her protection and defence not finding any the least shadow of reason to relinquish Her That he had already taken this resolution and wold sustain it suddenly That he wold not do as the Spaniard who by a Letter had fill'd the Popes spirit with vanity to carry him into a precipice but that he wold execut with courage and sincerity what he had promis'd he consider'd also as a thing of great consequence that the Pope prepar'd himself for warr and had to this effect erected that new Congregation of men disaffected to the Signory and all dependents of Spain herunto he added that he wold be as ready to perform his promise as to publish his Declaration and wold besides procure som good offices from his brother the King of Denmark and other Princes of Germany his Allies The Kings of France and England appearing so earnestly in this businesse the Emperour also did contribut his intercession the Grand Duke of Florence likewise stir'd in it yet nothing could be concluded to any purpose Therfore the Spaniard begins to arm in the Duchy of Milan to which end the Count de Fuentes had particular Commission The Republic having intelligence herof it did not stand with Her wonted prudence and circumspection to stand idle wherfore to meet with all occasions that might occurr She sent to Padoua Verona Crema Bergamo and Brescia five hundred thousand Crowns one hundred thousand for each City to prepare themselfs for all exigents Unto the old nine thousand six hundred Footmen and six hundred Horse To the one hundred fifty Albanian Horse She added six hundred Italian Foot and one thousand Albanians more under Paolo Ghini Order also was given to Count Francis Maâ—…tinengo to levy in the Confines four thousand French soldiers and six hundred Cuirasses which She caus'd to be arm'd To the three great Gallies was adjoyn'd one other and to the thirty eight light Gallies they sent five more in the Iles of the Levant and twelve more newly arm'd at Venice In Candy also were arm'd twenty Gallies Nicolaâ—… Sagredo Proveditor general by his prudence dexterity which was singular in managing of Martial affairs wrought in such sort that all this was don at the expence of privat gentlemen so that ther were in all seventy five light Gallies four great ones got together Divers of the French Nobility made profer of their service to the Republic and the great Turk seem'd to importune her to accept of his assistance She utterly refus'd the last and wav'd the first The rumor of these preparations fill'd ev'ry corner of Christendome therfore the Kings and Princes who were already engag'd in quality of Mediators 'twixt the Pope and the Republic stir'd more nimbly in the businesse specially the French who to accelerat things and do them with greater countenance employed to that end the Cardinall de Ioyeuse in a splendid Embassie both to Rome and Venice In Spain the Duke of Lerma complain'd to the English Ambassadour for the proser of such assistance that his King had made to the Republic which had put her to stand higher a tiptoe against the Holy Father and impeded the Treaty for She wold not shew Her self so obstinat against him if She were not so much incouraged by his King because from France She could expect but words or peradventure som troops hired with her own silver The Treaty began now to be poursued with som heat and the Cardinal de Ioyeuse carried himself with such address that he overcame all difficulties and brought both parties to a conformity but the Republic wold by no means part with her Laws or revoke Her Decrees formerly mention'd touching Ecclesiastics and Her Ban against the Jesuits She only deliver'd the foresayed Count and Canon to the French Ambassadors hands who deliver'd them afterwards to the Nuntio so the quarrel ended the thunder câ—…as'd which had made such a noise and cut the Princes of Christendom so much work to do herupon Letters of thanks were written to the Kings of France and Spain but specially to the King of great Britain for his propensity and good intentions towards the Republic The Cardinall Ioyeuse had a present of 6000. Crowns value and Don Francisco de Castro had another of 3000. who had bin sent from the King of Spain expressely to compose these differences which charge in his first Speech before the Duke Senat he sayed that he had willingundertaken both in obedience to his Catholic Majesty and for the particular affection he did bear unto so illustrious a Signory hoping easily to conclude a peace betwixt the Holy Father and his Serenity specially seeing he shold not meet with those three impediments that usually render all Treaties difficult which are first the passion or extraordinary affection of him in whose name men treat or of him who treateth secondly the inconvenience of the matter treated and thirdly the incapacity or want of good will in the person with whom the treaty is For touching the first it was certain that the King his Master was well-affected and had no other aims but the common good That the greatnesse of the Republic was advantagious unto him as being the Bullwark of Christendome against the power of the Turk and for his own person he protested that he was not com to use deceit or subtilty being Noble by birth and therfore oblig'd to tell truth above all things Touching the second the point of treaty was for peace a thing excellent in its own nature and for an union with the See Apostolic a thing very profitable to the Republic all stories being full of the mutuall good offices which they have ever rendred one to the other as on the contrary their disunion must needs be pernicious to the Republic for if their cause were injust it wold incense all Princes against them and though it were reasonable yet was it not fit therfore to forget what reverence men shold owe to the Soveraign Bishop Touching the third That the Treaty was with a Senat of great prudence lovers of peace enemies of novelty who had bin Authors alwaies of
Patrons Page 23 The Governors of the two Castles in Corfù never to meet upon pain of death Page 29 Rare glasses made in Venice Page 38 Glassmakers much esteem'd for their Art Page 39 Giovani Mauritio Duke of Venice Page 59 Giovani Partitiatio put off the Dukedom and confind to a Monastery Page 60 The Greeks taught first the use of Bells by the Venetian Page 61 Giovani Partitiatio Duke of Venice who voluntarily deposd himself Page 61 The Gnoway defeated by the Venetian at Trapani Page 72 Genoa vayld to Venice as Carthage to Rome at last Page 74 Genoa shrewdly beaten in the pontick Sea by Venice Page 75 Gallipole in Calabria taken by the Venetian Page 84 Genoa held Famagosta in Cypria above ninty yeers Page 98 H. The habit of the Duke of Venice Page 11 The habit of the Duke with the Iewells he wears upon festivall dayes valued at above 100000 cr Page 11 The heir of Venice answerable for his Fathers faults Page 12 A horse a monster in Venice Page 54 The high Epithetts which are given Venice above the rest of the Townes of Italy Page 55 Horteo Hypato Duke of Venice Page 58 Heraclea utterly demolishd Page 59 The Hunns overcom by the Venetians Page 61 Henry the Emperour comes to Venice Page 65 Part of Hierusalem given to Venice Page 67 Honor don by the Pope to the Venetian Page 68 Hermolao Barbaro punished for receaving dignities from the Pope Page 85 Henry the 8. of England the great instrument of the French King and the Popes release Page 89 Henry the 3. of France comes to Venice Page 132 How the King of Polands borther intercâ—…ded for the readmission of the Jesuits to Venice Page 198 How Venice Rome with the rest of the Princes of Italy carry themselfs in point of politicall interest Page 175 Holland and Venice of a diffring humor Page 180 I. Impossible for the Duke of Venice to becom Tyrant Page 6 Inhibition that Courtesands mingle not with honest Women in the Venetian Churches Page 8 Italy the â—…y of Europe Page 8 The Iudges of Venice Page 17 Of Istria Page 24 Of the I le of Corfou Page 29 Of the I le of Cephalonia Page 30 Of the I le of Zant Page 30 Of the I le of Candis Page 31 The incredible riches of St. Marks treasure Page 37 Iustinianos speech to Maximilian the Emperor in behalf of Venice not found in her Archies Page 73 Justiniano Duke of Venice Page 60 Justinopoli comes under the Venetian Page 61 The I le of Candie under the Venetian An inundation Page 71 Juluis the second incites all the Princes of Christendom against Venice Page 87 The Inquisition refus'd by Venice Page 94 The Iesuits expell'd from Venice with the causes therof recited at large Page 163 The Iesuits tenets Page 163 King James his Declaration touching the quarrell twixt the Pope and Venice Page 161 L. Long age argues strength of body in Epist. Lawes the ligaments of a State Page Ibid. The Lawes of Rhodes and Oleron the Prince for Sea affaires in Epist. The Lombards Kingdom extinguish'd in Italy Page 59 The lamentable end of one of the Dukes of Venice Page 60 Lotharius the Emperour endowes Venice with many immunities Page 60 Lesina and Spalato reduc'd to Venice Page 62 Pope Leo comes to Venice and endowes with many priviledges Page 65 Lesbos Same 's and Andros taken by the Venetian Page 67 Lemnos yeelded to Venice Page 80 The Legat of the Popes answer to the Venetian Generall Page 81 The league of Cambray like to destroy Venice Page 87 Lodovico Falieri employed Ambassador to Henry the 8. of England from Venice Page 90 A league against the Turk in Pius Quintus time the substance of it Page 101 New Lawes in Venice Page 134 Luca excomunicated Page 171 Lep anto battail at large Page 118 M. The maner and majesty how the Duke of Venice sitts Page 14 St. Marks Proctors the high dignity of their place Page 20 The Magistrats of Venice in generall Page 16 Of the marke of Treviso Page 24 St. Marks place Page 37 The Magistrats of old Rome and Venice parallell'd Page 45 Mariello Tegaliano Duke of Venice Page 58 Maaritio of Heraclea D. of Venice Page 59 St. Marks body transported to Venice from Alexandris Page 60 The Moors defeat the Venetian under Saba their Generall Page 60 The Moors ransack Rome Page 60 St. Marks Church burnt Page 62 Meniro Duke of Venice turnes Monkâ—… Page 62 Matilda restor'd to her Duchy of Ferrara by the help of Venice Page 65 Michaeli Duke of Venice goes with 200 Vessells to Joppa and frees her from the siege Page 66 The Marquis of Monferrat restord to his territories by the Venetian Page 79 Mocenigos speech to the Popes Generall Page 81 The maner of Mariages and Christnings in Venice Page 187 N. Nothing discovers the wisdom of a peeple more than the form of their government Page 9 Nothing so difficult as the Art of government Page 10 The neatnes of Venice Page 35 A notable speech against the Tribunitiall power Page 57 The Narentines debell'd by the Venetians Page 62 The Normans give a great overthrow to the Greeks and Venetians at Darazzo Page 65 A mighty defeat given to the Venetians by the Genowayes neer Corfù Page 72 A notable speech of Philip the second touching his Fathers resignations Page 93 A notable speech of a Turk before the battail of Lepanto Page 116 A notable speech of another Turk Page 116 A notable speech of the Turkish Generall Page 124 A notable answer of the Turkish Ambassador to King James Page 131 Nova Palma built in Friuli Page 135 A notable invective against Urban the eighth and his Nephews Page 172 The Navall strength of Venice reviewd Page 197 O. Of the three Republiques of Italy how they differ Page 9 Of the severall denominations of Kingdoms and Commonwealths Page 9 The Office of the Duke of Venice Page 12 Cardinall Ossatts opinion of Venice Page 183 Of the Colledg of Sages in Venice Page 14 The Officers of Venice Page 15 Of the great Chancelor Page 15 Originall of the Venetian Page 33 D. of Ossuna no frend to the Venetian Page 38 An old prophecy touching Venice Page 40 Old Rome and Venice Parallell'd Page 44 Of one who would have preferr'd a Spurrier to Q. Eliz. Page 54 Obeserio Duke of Venice Page 59 Otho the Emperour comes to Venice Page 62 Otho Urseolo Duke of Venice he marries the King of Hungarie's Daughter banish'd afterwards Page 65 Otho the Emperours son taken prisoner by the Venetians freed upon his Parole Page 69 Otho's wise speech and advice to the Emperour Frederic his Father Page 69 P. Peace alwayes preferr'd before war by Venice Page 4 The privat Arsenal of Venice Page 6 The Presse and Pulpit strictly regulated in Venice Page 7 The Pope a great temporall Prince Page 8 The Pope fittest to be umpire of differences in Italy with the reasons alledg'd Page 8 Paulutio
that being once done ther was no doubt but the other might follow after So after many other prevalent reasons Perron obtain'd of the Pope that seeing for the present he could not prevail in the Jesuits behalf he shold let it passe and insert a Clause in the Article wherby it might appear to the world that he had not neglected their restauration then the Cardinall speaking of the Commission the Pope wold hardly be drawn therunto supposing it to be dishonorable to the Sea Apostolic in regard that the revocation of Censures ought to be done at Rome and not sent to Venice yet the Cardinal alledging divers reasons to the contrary the Pope at last consented to give the Cardinal Ioyeuse Commission to revoke the Censures which he shold carry with him to Venice but on this condition to do his best for the restauration of the Iesuits before he disannull'd the Interdiction He also though with som difficulty induc'd his Holines to be pleas'd that the French Ambassador resident at Rome and not he who lay at Venice shold in the French Kings and the Signories Name crave of him the revocation of the Censures in writing for the Pope told him that the Spanish Ambassador resident at Venice had crav'd it in the name of his Master and the Republic In a word the Pope granted all his demands only he seem'd unwilling to declare his intention to the Consistory saying that he suppos'd he ought not to do it publiquely because he had not yet acquainted the Cardinalls herwith neverthelesse he wold resolve upon 't and the next day in the Consistory wold impart it to som particular Cardinalls and the same afternoon call one after another into his Chamber to take their suffrages in secret According to this resolution the Pope having in the Consistory declar'd his intent to som particular Cardinalls he did the same afternoon call the rest into his Chamber secretly to take their Opinions and in that businesse spent the whole week The Spaniards being not well pleas'd that they were not sought unto in this businesse and desirous to frustrate the matter divulg'd certain rumors contrary to the Popes will and meaning and among others a cunning letter was written by Don Francisco de Castro wherin he certified the Pope that if he stood first for restoring the Iesuits he was likely to obtain it and that the Republic determin'd to make a Protestation by surrendring the Prisoners contrary to that which had bin concluded and which his Holines had promis'd to himself these false rumors distracted the Pope who therupon made som difficulty to proceed further but Cardinall Perron solliciting him and assuring him of the contrary he deliver'd according to his former resolution the Commission to Cardinall Ioyeuse willing him to make hast to Venice The Spaniards being not able to crosse this resolution made sute to have Cardâ—…nall Zapata joyn'd in Commission with Cardinall Ioyeuse but their labour in that point was lost and yet in other Solemnities Zapata and the Spanish Ambassadour had in appearance som intelligence with the French Ministers because in the Kings Name they were Sureties for the Signory as were Cardinall Ioyeuse and the French Ambassador for his Christian Majesty yet the world accounted it but a vain and idle fable for they had no such Authority from the Republic as had the French who executed their Commission to their Kings advantage and honor Cardinall Ioyeuse with the Commission receav'd from his Holines containing the conditions wheron the Censures were to be revok'd being in nomber six goes on his journey The conditions were to this effect 1. That the two Churchmen prisoners namely the Abbot of Nerveze and the Chanon of Vicenza shold be freely given to the Pope 2. That his Holines shold revoke his Censures making a Declaration therof to the Colledge 3. That the Venetian Signory shold within a while after send an Ambassage to the Pope That the Venetian Duke by a Declaration shold certifie the Clergy under the State that the first Declaration is revok'd That the three Decrees mention'd in the Popes Inderdiction and other Laws of the Signory shold continue in their full force and power with this Proviso That the Senat shall promise the French and Catholic King not to execute them till the businesse be fully concluded 'twixt his Holines and the Signory having first more amply inform'd the Pope of the justice and equity of those Laws Lastly that all Churchmen and Religious Orders which are banish'd and expuls'd from Venice or the Jurisdiction therof by reason of these troubles may return home to their houses and Convents but concerning the return of the Jesuits his Holines is contented to defer it till an Ambassador from the Signory hath treated particularly with him concerning that point certifying him that their expulsion proceeds from certain causes and reasons which have no community with the Interdiction and if it shall be found otherwise then to admit their restauration as well as of other Ecclesiastiques Now Cardinall Ioyeuse departed from Rome with his Commission and the Articles aforesayed and arriv'd at Venice wher he was extraordinarily entertain'd many Senators going to meet him in the Bucentaure the next day one of the States Secretaries accompanied with the Captain and other Officers of the Prison were sent to him and for the greater solemnity with a public Notary brought the two prisoners to the House of Monsieur du Fresne Ambassador for the French King at Venice and deliver'd them unto him as granted to the Pope at the instance of the King his Master without prejudice to the States Jurisdiction in such cases and the French Ambassadour did presently consign them to the hands of Cardinall Ioyeuse who was in the same House in the presence of the Secretary with these words These are the prisoners which the Signory hath granted to his Holines not adding at whose entreaty and so the Cardinall receav'd them as his proper prisoners wherunto the Secretary at that time made no reply In this manner by this omission on the one part and silence on the other it seemed that som did not well understand what remain'd betwixt the Pope and the Signory The next morning the Cardinall came to the Colledge and after som circumstances of the Popes Fatherly goodnesse he assur'd them that the Censures were revok'd so having given them his Benediction he went to celebrat the Masse in the Patriarks Church the Dukes first Declaration was revok'd also in this manner LEONARDO DONATO by the Grace of God Duke of Venice c. To the reverend Patriarks Archbishops and Bishops of our State and Jurisdiction of Venice and to the Vicars Abbots Priors Rectors of Parish Churches and all other Ecclesiasticall peeple Greeting SEeing it hath pleas'd our good God to find out a way wherby our Holy Father Pope Paul the V. hath bin duly inform'd as well of our good meaning as of the integrity of our actions and continuall honor and reverence
which we bear to the See of Rome and thereby to take away all cause of strife we as we have ever desir'd and procur'd Unity and good correspondence with the sayed See of which we are loving and obedient children do receave likewise this contentation to have at last obtain'd the accomplishment of our holy desire therfore we thought good by our Declaration to advertise you herof giving you besides to understand that whatsoever did belong herunto hath bin faithfully perform'd on both parts and the Censures and Interdiction remov'd the Protestation likewise we made against them hath bin and is revok'd we being desirous that herin as well as in all other our actions the Piety and Religion of our State may still more and more appear which we will carefully observe as our Predecessors have ever done Given in our Ducall Palace the 21. of Aprill 1607. Sign'd Marco Ottobon Secretary The Duke having publish'd this Declaration the Senat was not a little perplext with a doubt of no mean consequence which was that the Pope for his part having made no mention at all concerning books and writings publish'd in the behalf of the sayed Decrees nor of the Authors of the sayed books which were two very important points and which did threaten â—… breach of the whole reconcilement the State doubting that the Pope by this silence and Omission had an intent to proceed afterwards against the Authors of the sayed books by the ordinary way of Ecclesiastical Justice and thinking it dishonorable to abandon those that had done them so good and faithfull service after mature consultation the Senat made a very notable and honorable Decree that the Signory shold protect them against all dangers and assign them a perpetuall Pension A particular Narratif of the notable Contestation 'twixt Paulus Quintus and the Republic of Venice 1606. c. NOw in regard that ev'ry Corner of Christendome did ring aloud and sounds yet to this day of that high Contestation 'twixt Pope Paulus Quintus and the Republic I shall spend a little more oil and labour to acquaint the judicious Reader with the circumstances therof Paulus Quintus having ascended to the Pontificat the bent of all his consultations were to advance the Priviledges of the Church and mortifie the presumption those were his words of such secular Princes and States that seem'd to bandy against them specially of the Signory of Venice wherupon he employed thither in quality of Nuncio Horatio Maâ—…hei Bishop of Gâ—…erace a man so fervent in this cause that in full Assembly he told the Duke of Venice That Almes and other works of piety the frequenting of the Sacraments with all other good and Christian actions ad nihilum valent ultra were nothing available if men did not favour the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction In privat Communication he also sayed That he had heard the piety of the City of Venice often and amply magnified yet he himself could perceave but little considering that Christian perfection doth not consist in deeds of charity and devotion as much as in exalting the Ecclesiasticall Authority which is the true Câ—…ment of that perfection Ther happen'd a little difference betwixt Paul the V. and the Republic of Luca at this time who in regard that many of her Citizens having chang'd their Relâ—…gion had retir'd themselfs to Protestant Countreys She publish'd an Edict by which all her Subjects were forbidden to have Comerce or to correspond any way with such persons This Edâ—…ct being come to the Pope he highly approv'd of the Law but he sayed That the State of Luca had no Authority to make any such Ordinance of her self because it concern'd Religion therfore he commanded that the sayed Edict shold be raz'd out of the Records promising to form another which shold be the same in substance but to be publish'd by his Pontificall Authority Ther happen'd about this time another clash 'twixt him and the Republic of Genoa who being inform'd that the Governors of certain lay-Fraternities instituted by devotion had not dispens'd the revenu with requisit fidelity She resolv'd to examin their accounts to which effects the books were commanded to be brought before the Duke but this was not well accepted by Paul the V. therfore he gave the Republic of Genoa to understand that these proceedings were against the Liberty Ecclesiastical So he expresly enjoyn'd them to revoke their Edicts otherwise he wold proceed to the Censure of Excommunication both these States complied with the Pope but the State of Venice was more stiff-neck'd and constant in the maintenance of her Decrees The first cloud of discontent 'twixt this Pope and the Venetians appeard when he having solicited the Republic for a contribution of summs of money to aid the Emperor in the warrs of Hungary against the Turk he receav'd from her a complementall deniall He afterwards propos'd the revocation of an Ordinance made by the Senat a little before forbidding the Subjects of the Signory to set forth any Vessells by Sea or to make any assurances or Companies for the traffic of any Merchandize whatsoever to be exported out of the State of Venice into any other Countreys unlesse it pass'd first by Venice alledging that this wold hinder the Commerce in the State of the Church and was against the Ecclesiasticall Liberty The Republic answer'd herunto That ev'ry Prince commands his Subjects in that which may serve for the commodity of his own Estate without considering what may follow therupon to neighbour Princes who cannot justly be therwith offended howsoever they may be in some sort incommoded therfore whensoever his Holines shall command his Subjects any thing which may turn to the profit of his Government the State wold not take it in ill part nor esteem it against their Liberty The Pope perceaving by this Essay that he could not compasse his ends these differences being not within the bounds of things spirituall and finding that his desires were so little prevalent with the Venetian thought to be quit with him som other way and an opportunity was offer'd a little after touching one Scipio Sarraceno Canon of Vicenza and upon the complaint of a young gentlewoman his cosen whose doore and ring therof which is a common kind of revenge in Italy he had besmear'd with excrements and don her som other wrongs she herupon complain'd to the Senat who therupon cited and imprison'd the Canon complaints herof being made to the Pope the Republic answer'd That the just Title and Authority which She hath to judge Ecclesiasticall persons in causes criminall were founded on the power of a naturall Prince and on custom never interrupted by the space of a thousand years and upwards which hath bin approv'd of by the Popes Breve's themselfs yet extant in the public Archives This being deliver'd by the Venetian Ambassador to Pope Paul he receav'd it with som impatience saying That the reasons alledg'd were frivolous that to judge of an affair it was to no purpose to ground it upon